Il Cucinologo
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Sardinian-Style Eggplants

17/11/2023

Sardinian-style eggplants are a rich and tasty dish that reflects the flavors and aromas of Sardinian cuisine. Here’s how to prepare them.

Ingredients

  • 2 large eggplants
  • 400 g tomato passata
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 200 g sweet Sardinian pecorino
  • Fresh basil
  • Oregano
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Breadcrumbs (optional)

Preparation

  1. Start by washing the eggplants, remove the ends and slice them lengthwise into slices about half a centimeter thick.
  2. Place them in a colander, sprinkle with salt and let them rest for about 30 minutes so they release their vegetable water and any bitterness.
  3. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce. In a pan, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and sauté the peeled garlic clove. Remove the garlic when golden and pour in the tomato passata, season with salt and pepper and add a pinch of oregano. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes.
  4. Grill the eggplant slices on a hot grill until softened and colored on both sides.
  5. Slice the Sardinian pecorino thinly or grate it.
  6. In an oiled baking dish, make a layer of eggplants, cover with some tomato sauce, a few torn basil leaves and some pecorino. Continue alternating layers until all ingredients are used up.
  7. If desired, sprinkle the top layer with breadcrumbs to create a crispy crust.
  8. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C for about 20-30 minutes, until the surface is golden and the cheese is melted.
  9. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Curiosities

Eggplants are widely used in Sardinian cuisine and can be prepared in many ways. This dish highlights the simplicity of the ingredients in this cuisine, where Sardinian pecorino plays a starring role for its bold flavor and its ability to blend with the other ingredients.