Smoky Eggplant Casserole is a delightful medley of roasted eggplant, aromatic spices, and gooey cheese, making it a must-try for any eggplant enthusiast. This recipe elevates a simple vegetable into a mouthwatering dish that's perfect for any gathering or a cozy family dinner.
The star of this dish is the eggplant, which becomes tender and flavorful when roasted, soaking up the smoky paprika and spices. The olive oil helps to roast the eggplant to perfection, while the onion and garlic add a depth of flavor to the tomato sauce. Speaking of which, the crushed tomatoes provide a rich base for the sauce, and the smoked paprika adds that signature smoky flavor. A touch of red pepper flakes gives the dish a gentle heat that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes. Finally, the blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese creates a delicious, bubbly topping, and the fresh basil adds a burst of freshness at the end.
First, preheat your oven to 375°F. While it's heating up, slice your eggplant into 1/4 inch rounds. Arrange these slices on a baking sheet, brush them lightly with olive oil, and sprinkle with a bit of salt. Pop them in the oven for about 15 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even roasting.
While the eggplant is roasting, grab a skillet and heat some olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent, which should take around 5 minutes. Add your minced garlic, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes, and let them cook for about a minute until they're nice and fragrant. Now, pour in the crushed tomatoes, reduce the heat, and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once your eggplant is ready, start layering. In a 9x13 inch casserole dish, place half of the roasted eggplant slices. Pour half of your tomato sauce over this layer and sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat the process with the remaining eggplant, sauce, and cheeses, creating two delicious layers.
Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and let it bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Take it out, sprinkle with fresh basil, and you're ready to serve!
This Smoky Eggplant Casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad and some crusty bread to soak up all that flavorful sauce. For a more filling meal, serve it alongside a creamy risotto or a hearty grain like quinoa or farro.
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