Friday 13 March 2015

Eggplant Casserole: the BEST Eggplant Recipes #2

If you enjoyed last week's delicious Oven-baked Tomato and Cheese eggplant recipe, you'll love this one even more. This adapted recipe was handed down from my Italian mother in law and is definitely a family favorite.


best eggplant recipe

Ingredients:
2 large eggplants
350 gr. minced beef
1 carton of tomato sauce
1 table spoon of concentrated tomato paste
1 red pepper
1 onion
2 garlic cloves
1 beef stock cube
some basil
1- 1 1/2 cups of white sauce
300-400 gr. macaroni
200 grams of melting cheese (parmesan, mozzarella, etc.)

Instructions:

At least an hour before you start cooking, peel the eggplant

eggplant recipes

then chop into thin strips

eggplant recipes

 and place into a colander  with a plate underneath
to catch the juices. Sprinkle with salt  and allow to sit for at 
least one hour.

eggplant recipes

Make a basic white sauce and flavor with garlic powder,
salt, white pepper and nutmeg.

eggplant recipes

Finely chop the onion, garlic and pepper. 

how to cook eggplant

Fry with some olive oil and then add the meat and lightly fry.

how to cook eggplant

Add in the tomato sauce, concentrated tomato paste,
beef stock cube, 1/2 cup of water, salt, pepper and basil. Allow
to simmer for 1 hour. 

how to cook eggplant

In the mean time, drain the water from the egg plant and 
fry till soft in olive oil.  (This is not a time
for multitasking. Don't try to sweep the kitchen
and dining room floor during this time or you will burn
your eggplant like I did.)

best eggplant recipes

Once your meat sauce is done cooking, add about 1- 1 1/2 cups of 
white sauce. (The exact amount takes a little trial and error
but you want enough for it to enhance the tomato, but not enough
to overwhelm it.) 

best eggplant recipes

While you're busy juggling all these steps (I'll admit this 
isn't a simple meal), cook the macaroni.When that is
done you can start assembly. Start with the sauce, then place a
layer of macaroni and then some eggplant. Make at least
two layer sets. Top with cheese and place in the oven at
180 degrees C for about 15- 20 minutes.

best eggplant recipes

Remove from oven and enjoy the tasty goodness! 

eggplant casserole

If you liked this recipe, these might whet your appetite:

oven roast turkey leg
creamy chicken risotto


Thanks for stopping by!

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