Silky roasted globe eggplants topped with a rustic oven-roasted garlic tomato sauce and melted kashar cheese. A perfect vegetarian main or side dish.
Servings 4people
Course Main Course
Cuisine Turkish
Ingredients
4mediumGlobe eggplants
1largeTomato, chopped
3-4clovesGarlic
½cupShredded kashar cheese (or mozzarella)
¼cupExtra virgin olive oil
1tspDried thyme
1tspSalt
½tsp Black pepper
Equipment
Large Baking Sheet: To roast the eggplant halves without crowding.
Sharp Chef's Knife: For scoring the eggplant and dicing tomatoes.
Sauté Pan: To prepare the garlic and tomato topping.
Parchment Paper: For easy cleanup and to prevent the eggplants from sticking.
Method
Halve the globe eggplants lengthwise. Use a knife to score the flesh in a diamond pattern, being careful not to cut through the skin.
Drizzle the eggplants with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place on a baking sheet and bake at 180°C (350°F) until the flesh is soft and golden brown.
Remove the eggplants from the oven. Use a fork to gently mash and press down the center of each eggplant to create a "well" or boat shape.
In a small oven-safe dish, combine the chopped tomatoes, garlic cloves, olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme. Bake at 180°C (350°F) until the tomatoes are blistered and the garlic is soft.
Take the tomatoes and garlic out of the oven. Use a fork to mash them together into a thick, rustic sauce.
Spoon the roasted tomato and garlic mash into the center of each eggplant boat.
Generously sprinkle the grated kashar cheese over the tomato layer.
Return the eggplants to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and has golden brown spots. Serve hot!
Globe eggplants commonly sold in the US are larger and can sometimes be slightly bitter. If desired, sprinkle the cut eggplants lightly with salt and let them sit for 15 minutes before roasting, then pat dry with a paper towel. This helps reduce bitterness and improves texture.