31 Mar 2025
Cook time 70 min
Prep time 30 min
Ingredients:
3 red peppers
1 short spray cooking spray oil
4 large zucchini
3 eggplant
1/3 cup pasta sauce
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup bread crumbs
2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
Chargrilled eggplant and tomato bake is a delicious and nutritious dish that's perfect for any meal. This recipe incorporates a variety of fresh vegetables, combined with the rich flavors of cheese and pasta sauce, to create a comforting and hearty bake. It's an excellent way to use seasonal produce and makes for a delightful vegetarian option that will satisfy everyone's taste buds.
Instructions:
1. Prepare Ingredients:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Wash the red peppers, zucchinis, and eggplants thoroughly.
2. Chargrill the Vegetables:
- Place the red peppers directly over a gas flame or under a broiler to char the skins, turning occasionally until all sides are blackened and blistered. Transfer the peppers to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a towel, and let them steam for about 10 minutes. Then peel off the skins, remove the seeds, and slice the peppers into strips.
- Cut the zucchinis into thin, lengthwise slices.
- Cut the eggplants into thin, lengthwise slices as well.
3. Grill the Zucchini and Eggplants:
- Preheat a grill pan or a barbecue grill on high heat.
- Lightly spray the zucchini and eggplant slices with the cooking spray oil. Grill the slices for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are tender and have nice grill marks. Set aside.
4. Assemble the Bake:
- In a baking dish (approximately 9x13 inches), spread a thin layer of pasta sauce at the bottom.
- Arrange a layer of grilled eggplant slices over the sauce, followed by a layer of zucchini slices and then the red pepper strips.
- Repeat the layering process until all the vegetables are used up, finishing with a layer of zucchini or eggplant.
5. Add the Cheese and Breadcrumbs:
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top layer of vegetables.
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the grated parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake:
- Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
7. Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad and some crusty bread.
Tips:
- To ensure the vegetables are evenly cooked, try to slice them uniformly.
- Grill the eggplant and zucchini until they have nice charred marks but are not too soft, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Feel free to add extra herbs like basil or oregano for additional flavor.
- If you want a crispy top, you can broil the dish for the last few minutes of baking.
- Let the bake rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Chargrilled eggplant and tomato bake is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side. The combination of grilled vegetables, savory cheese, and crispy breadcrumbs creates a mouth-watering experience that will leave you craving more. Enjoy this dish with a fresh salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.