A simple one-pan Mediterranean dish featuring steamed eggplants and mashed tomatoes topped with melted kashar cheese and aromatic herbs.
Servings 2people
Course Breakfast, Side Dish
Cuisine Mediterranean, Turkish
Ingredients
4smallTomatoes
1mediumEggplant
1cloveGarlic, minced
1cupShredded kashar cheese (or mozzarella)
2tbspOlive oil (or vegetable oil)
1tspDried oregano
1tspRed pepper flakes
1tspPaprika
1tspSalt
Equipment
Large Cast Iron or Non-Stick Skillet: For even heat distribution and perfectly melted cheese.
Sharp Chef’s Knife: To ensure your vegetables are diced uniformly for even cooking.
Paper Towels: Essential for drying the eggplant after the saltwater soak.
Cheese Grater: Freshly grated cheese always melts better than the pre-shredded kind!
Method
Trim a small piece off the bottom of the tomatoes so they can stand flat. Place them in a large skillet with a little vegetable oil.
Peel the eggplant and slice into rounds of medium thickness (not too thin, not too thick).
Arrange the eggplant slices in the skillet around the tomatoes. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid.
Cook on low heat. Let the vegetables steam in their own moisture until the tomato skins start to peel away and the eggplants are completely soft. Do not open the lid frequently.
Once softened, remove the skins from the tomatoes using a fork. Use a masher or a fork to crush the tomatoes directly in the pan, mixing them with the garlic and the eggplant juices.
Add the oregano, red pepper flakes, paprika, and salt. Stir gently to combine the flavors.
Spread the mixture evenly in the pan and sprinkle the shredded kashar cheese over the top.
Cover for another minute until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Serve warm with crusty bread.
Salt the diced eggplant and let it rest for 15–20 minutes before roasting, then pat dry — this removes excess moisture and prevents bitterness while helping it roast beautifully.