
Lunch & Dinner · Italian · Italy🇮🇹
Parmigiana di Melanzane
A taste of Italy from Carla’s day in Tivoli ❤️ There are meals you remember long after the trip is over. During my time in Tivoli, I wanted something simple, comforting and unmistakably Italian – and Parmigiana di Melanzane was exactly that. Layers of tender aubergine, rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, Parmesan and fresh basil come together to create one of those dishes that proves Italian food doesn’t need to be complicated to be incredible.
- Prep time
- 25
- Cook time
- 40
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Servings
- 4
Ingredients
- 2 large aubergines / eggplants
- 700 ml tomato passata
- 250 g mozzarella
- 80 g freshly grated Parmesan
- 1 small onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- Fresh basil
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1 pinch of sugar, optional
Instructions
- 1
1. Prepare the aubergines Cut the aubergines lengthwise into slices about 5–7 mm thick. Sprinkle lightly with salt and leave them for around 20 minutes. Pat them dry with kitchen paper.
- 2
2. Cook the aubergines Brush the slices lightly with olive oil and grill or pan-fry them until golden and tender on both sides. Set aside.
- 3
3. Make the tomato sauce Finely chop the onion and garlic. Gently sauté them in a little olive oil, then add the tomato passata. Season with salt, pepper and, if needed, a tiny pinch of sugar. Add several fresh basil leaves and simmer for around 15–20 minutes.
- 4
4. Build the Parmigiana Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the bottom of a baking dish. Add a layer of aubergine, followed by tomato sauce, pieces of mozzarella, Parmesan and basil. Repeat the layers until everything has been used.
- 5
5. Finish the top Cover the final layer with tomato sauce, mozzarella and plenty of freshly grated Parmesan.
- 6
6. Bake 🔥 Bake at 200°C for approximately 30–35 minutes, until the top is bubbling and beautifully golden.
- 7
7. The hardest part… wait! 😍 Let the Parmigiana rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Finish with fresh basil and a little Parmesan.
Carla's Tip
❤️ Carla’s Tip Make it a few hours ahead – or even the day before. Once the flavours have had time to come together, Parmigiana di Melanzane can taste even better the next day. Serve it with crusty Italian bread and a fresh salad for a simple Mediterranean meal.
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Kitchen Tool
Peugeot Ceramic Baking Dish – 30 cm
A durable ceramic baking dish, perfect for Parmigiana, lasagna, gratins and other Mediterranean oven-baked dishes.
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