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Aubergine Parmigiana

These aubergines are grilled rather than fried so need far less oil than usual. Teamed with a rich tomato sauce and grated cheese, they make a really filling supper.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 225

Ingredients

  • 3 aubergines (each about 250g)
  • ½ tbsp sunflower oil
  • 100 g ready-grated mozzarella
  • 15 g Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 2 tbsp dried coarse breadcrumbs (or panko breadcrumbs)

For the sauce

  • 1 tsp sunflower oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 large garlic cloves, crushed
  • ½ tsp dried flaked chillies
  • 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
  • 150 ml red wine
  • 100 ml water
  • ½ tsp dried chilli flakes
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • flaked sea salt
  • ground black pepper

Instructions

  • To make the sauce, heat the oil in medium non-stick pan and add the onion and garlic. Cover the pan with a lid and fry gently for 6–8 minutes, or until soft and light golden brown, stirring occasionally.
  • Tip the tomatoes into the pan, add the wine and water, stir in the chilli flakes and oregano. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 30–40 minutes, stirring regularly. Season with salt and pepper.
  • While the sauce is simmering, reheat the grill to its hottest setting. Trim and slice the aubergines lengthways into 1cm slices. Place the slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides with the oil.
  • Cook under the hot grill for 5–7 minutes or until the aubergine is golden and starting to soften. Carefully turn each slice over and grill for a further 5 minutes. Preheat oven to 220°C/Fan 200°C/Gas 7.
  • Arrange the aubergine, the sauce and grated mozzarella in loose layers In a shallow overproof dish (a lasagne dish is ideal), making sure you finish with mozzarella on top. Mix the Parmesan with the breadcrumbs and sprinkle over the top.
  • Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the topping is crispy and golden and the filling is bubbling. Calories per serving: 225.

Notes

To freeze

Freeze individual cooled portions in oven and freezer-proof containers for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven as the recipe.