This eggplant gratin recipe combines the smoky flavors of roasted bell peppers, tender eggplant slices, and creamy goat cheese. It is a perfect dish for a cozy family dinner or an elegant dinner party. The layers of eggplant, roasted bell peppers, and tangy goat cheese create a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave your taste buds craving for more. With its rich and satisfying taste, this dish is sure to become a favorite among your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggplants
- 2 red bell peppers, roasted and peeled
- 1 yellow bell pepper, roasted and peeled
- 8 ounces goat cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the eggplants into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Sprinkle salt on both sides and let sit for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Heat a grill pan over medium heat. Brush the eggplant slices with olive oil and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side, until tender and grill marks appear. Set aside.
- In a bowl, mix together the minced garlic, chopped basil, chopped parsley, breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- In a separate bowl, crumble the goat cheese.
- In a baking dish, layer the grilled eggplant slices, roasted and peeled bell peppers, crumbled goat cheese, and breadcrumb mixture. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, ending with a layer of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Drizzle olive oil over the top layer and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the gratin is heated through.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and parsley, if desired.
- Enjoy this delicious eggplant gratin with roasted bell peppers and goat cheese as a main dish or as a side dish with crusty bread.
Interesting Facts
Eggplants belong to the same family as tomatoes and potatoes.
Roasting bell peppers brings out their natural sweetness and enhances the flavor.
Goat cheese adds a tangy and creamy element to the dish, complementing the smoky flavors of the roasted bell peppers.
This recipe can be easily adapted to include other vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms.