Best 8 Aegean Eggplant Aubergine Tomato Orzo Casserole Recipes

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Embark on a culinary journey to the sun-kissed shores of the Aegean Sea with this delectable eggplant and tomato orzo casserole. This vibrant dish, also known as 'Aubergine Tomato Orzo Casserole', seamlessly blends the flavors of tender eggplant, juicy tomatoes, and toothsome orzo pasta, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will tantalize your palate. Let's dive into the depths of this Mediterranean masterpiece and unveil its secrets, one ingredient at a time.

This recipe is an ode to the simplicity of using fresh, seasonal ingredients to create a hearty and flavorful meal. Eggplant takes center stage, its meaty flesh absorbing the rich flavors of ripe tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and tangy feta cheese. The orzo pasta adds a delightful chewiness, while the addition of bell peppers, onions, and garlic provides a symphony of textures and flavors. This tantalizing casserole is not only a feast for the senses but also a testament to the culinary heritage of the Aegean region.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

ORZO WITH ROASTED VEGETABLES



Orzo with Roasted Vegetables image

This recipe is a slight variation of a wonderful summer dish invented by Sarah Leah Chase in her book The Open House Cookbook.

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 small eggplant, peeled and 3/4-inch diced
1 red bell pepper, 1-inch diced
1 yellow bell pepper, 1-inch diced
1 red onion, peeled and 1-inch diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup good olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 pound orzo or rice-shaped pasta
1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)
1/3 cup good olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 scallions, minced (white and green parts)
1/4 cup pignolis (pine nuts), toasted
3/4 pound good feta, 1/2-inch diced (not crumbled)
15 fresh basil leaves, cut into julienne

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
  • Toss the eggplant, bell peppers, onion, and garlic with the olive oil, salt, and pepper on a large sheet pan. Roast for 40 minutes, until browned, turning once with a spatula.
  • Meanwhile, cook the orzo in boiling salted water for 7 to 9 minutes, until tender. Drain and transfer to a large serving bowl. Add the roasted vegetables to the pasta, scraping all the liquid and seasonings from the roasting pan into the pasta bowl.
  • For the dressing, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper and pour on the pasta and vegetables. Let cool to room temperature, then add the scallions, pignolis, feta, and basil. Check the seasonings, and serve at room temperature.

AEGEAN EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) -TOMATO-ORZO CASSEROLE



Aegean Eggplant (Aubergine) -Tomato-Orzo Casserole image

Created for the RSC Summer 2005 contest. I must admit that if I hadn't needed the orzo to make up the 5th ingredient required for the contest, I would have omitted it. You can peel the eggplant if you want; I don't bother, but I do wash it.

Provided by echo echo

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 40m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 (8 ounce) package orzo pasta, cooked
olive oil flavored cooking spray
1 medium fresh eggplant, unpeeled, sliced 1/2-inch thick
4 medium fresh tomatoes, sliced 1/2-inch thick
4 tablespoons flour
olive oil or vegetable oil
1 large onion, sliced thin
1 -2 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup beef bouillon
2 tablespoons cream
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1/3 cup chopped kalamata olive

Steps:

  • Spread orzo in bottom of 13-inch x 9-inch pan coated with olive oil flavored cooking spray.
  • Lightly coat both sides eggplant slices with cooking spray and sauté in batches over medium heat in a large skillet until lightly browned on both sides (if slices get too dry, mist pan and slices with more spray); set aside.
  • Meanwhile, dust tomato slices with flour and, in a separate pan, fry in batches in 1/4 inch oil until lightly browned on both sides; set aside.
  • Re-spray skillet you cooked eggplant in and sauté onion slices with garlic until soft and golden.
  • Spread half the tomatoes in a layer over the orzo, then half the onion-garlic mixture, then half the eggplant slices; repeat layers.
  • Make sauce: Melt butter and blend in flour until smooth. Add bouillon slowly, stirring constantly, until thickened. Add cream, oregano and cinnamon. Simmer very gently for about 1 minute.
  • Pour sauce over casserole.
  • Sprinkle casserole with the parmesan cheese and scatter chopped olives over the top.
  • Bake at 400°F about 15 minutes until top is crispy brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 232.1, Fat 6.8, SaturatedFat 3.6, Cholesterol 15.7, Sodium 342.8, Carbohydrate 35.2, Fiber 4.7, Sugar 4.8, Protein 8.5

LENTIL AND ORZO STEW WITH ROASTED EGGPLANT



Lentil and Orzo Stew With Roasted Eggplant image

For rich, golden cubes of roasted eggplant, a high-temperature oven is crucial. Here, lentils and pasta make for a hearty stew, and the coriander seeds introduce a robust, clean flavor. Use a mortar and pestle, a spice grinder or the base of a wine bottle to crush the seeds, opening them up before they're tossed with the eggplant. Serve this stew warm or hot, topped with an aged, salty cheese like ricotta salata or feta, and a soft-poached egg if you like. The lemon zest and juice are essential and enhance the finish.

Provided by Yewande Komolafe

Categories     soups and stews, side dish

Time 1h45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 1/2 pounds eggplant (2 small or 1 large, skin on, or peeled, if desired), chopped into 1-inch pieces
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon coriander seeds, crushed
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 medium carrot, finely chopped
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 cup dried lentils (green, black or brown)
5 cups chicken or vegetable stock, or water
1/2 cup orzo or other small pasta, such as ditalini, stelline or macaroni
Zest and juice from 1 lemon, plus 4 lemon wedges for garnish
1/4 cup shaved ricotta salata or crumbled feta

Steps:

  • Heat the oven to 425 degrees. In a large bowl, toss the eggplant with 1/4 cup olive oil and crushed coriander seeds until coated; season with salt and pepper. Arrange in an even layer on a large rimmed baking sheet and roast until eggplant is tender and golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes, giving the baking sheet a shake halfway through roasting to toss the eggplant pieces for even cooking.
  • In a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil over medium. Add the carrot, onion and celery. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables are softened, about 3 minutes.
  • Stir in the garlic and tomato paste and cook, stirring occasionally, until tomato paste begins to darken on the bottom of the pan, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the lentils until coated. Pour in stock or water and bring to a boil over high heat. Lower to medium and simmer until lentils are tender, 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the type and age of lentils you use.
  • Stir in the orzo and cook until softened, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon zest and juice.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper. Top with the roasted eggplant pieces and large shavings of ricotta salata, and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 608, UnsaturatedFat 21 grams, Carbohydrate 69 grams, Fat 27 grams, Fiber 13 grams, Protein 25 grams, SaturatedFat 5 grams, Sodium 1472 milligrams, Sugar 15 grams

TOMATO-EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) CASSEROLE



Tomato-Eggplant (Aubergine) Casserole image

Make and share this Tomato-Eggplant (Aubergine) Casserole recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Charlotte J

Categories     Vegetable

Time 45m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 medium eggplant
boiling salt water
2 tablespoons butter
2 eggs, beaten
black pepper
1 teaspoon finely chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon oregano
3/4 cup cracker crumb
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
6 slices tomatoes
cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Slice eggplant, peel and put into boiling salted water immediately.
  • Boil about 10 minutes until tender.
  • Drain and return to pan and mash.
  • Blend in butter, eggs, pepper, onion, oregano and cracker crumbs.
  • Add the grated cheese.
  • Pour into buttered casserole and cover with the tomato slices.
  • Sprinkle top with additional cheese.
  • Bake at 375 degrees until lightly browned on top.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 265.9, Fat 13.6, SaturatedFat 7.5, Cholesterol 135.8, Sodium 173.9, Carbohydrate 26.9, Fiber 5.6, Sugar 4.4, Protein 10.4

EGGPLANT, TOMATO AND CHICKPEA CASSEROLE



Eggplant, Tomato and Chickpea Casserole image

This dish is based on a Middle Eastern staple traditionally served with fresh Arabic bread at room temperature, though I like to serve it warm. The casserole tastes best if made a day ahead.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     dinner, casseroles

Time 2h

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 large eggplant or 2 medium (1 pound), peeled if desired, cut in half lengthwise, then sliced about 1/2 inch thick
Salt to taste
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 large onion, sliced thin across the grain
2 to 4 garlic cloves (to taste), minced
1 (28-ounce) can chopped tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
Pinch of sugar
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1 sprig basil
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained
3 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley (optional)

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, and brush the foil with olive oil. Place the eggplant slices on the foil, sprinkle with salt and brush each slice lightly with oil. Place in the oven for 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from the heat, and carefully fold the foil in half over the eggplant. Crimp the edges together, so that the eggplant is sealed inside the foil and will continue to steam and soften. Leave for at least 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, make the tomato sauce. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the onion. Cook, stirring often, until tender, about five minutes, and add the garlic and a generous pinch of salt. Cook, stirring, until the garlic is fragrant, about a minute. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, cinnamon, basil and salt to taste. Bring to a simmer, and simmer uncovered, stirring often, for 20 to 25 minutes, until the sauce is thick and fragrant. Add freshly ground pepper, then taste and adjust salt. Remove the basil sprig, and stir in the drained chickpeas.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Oil a 2-quart baking dish or gratin. Cover the bottom with thin layer of tomato sauce, and make a layer of half the eggplant. Spoon half the remaining sauce over the eggplant, and repeat the layers.
  • Bake 30 minutes, until bubbling. Remove from the heat, and allow to cool for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle on the parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 212, UnsaturatedFat 7 grams, Carbohydrate 28 grams, Fat 9 grams, Fiber 10 grams, Protein 7 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 739 milligrams, Sugar 10 grams

EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) CASSEROLE



Eggplant (Aubergine) Casserole image

Make and share this Eggplant (Aubergine) Casserole recipe from Food.com.

Provided by KJ1036

Categories     Cheese

Time 1h5m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups eggplants, cubed
1 onion, sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons margarine
fresh ground pepper
125 g shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
1 cup cracker crumb
2 eggs, beaten

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 180°C.
  • Heat oil in saucepan.
  • Sauté eggplant and onion until soft.
  • Remove saucepan from heat and stir through margarine until melted.
  • Add remainder of ingredients, and combine well.
  • Transfer to a casserole dish, and bake until golden and bubbling, approx 45 minutes.

MEDITERRANEAN EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) CASSEROLE



Mediterranean Eggplant (Aubergine) Casserole image

This eggplant dish is from the "1 of a Kind" cookbook of the Junior League of Mobile, AL. I have not made this yet, but I did modify the recipe & add 2 ingredients I thot were a must to make this a classic dish. Altho the ingredient list appears lengthy, 7 are of the spice variety & the rest are common ingredients w/an easy prep. My best advice is strongly resist any temptation to leave out the cinnamon. Enjoy!

Provided by twissis

Categories     Vegetable

Time 1h30m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

3 medium eggplants (unpeeled & sliced in 1/4 in thick slices)
3/4 cup olive oil (more as required)
1 cup onion (chopped)
1 cup celery (chopped)
1/2 cup green bell pepper (chopped)
1 cup fresh tomato (seeded & diced)
1/2 cup black olives (quartered or sliced)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3 large eggs (beaten)
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons dry parmesan cheese (powder variety)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Prepare onion, celery, green bell pepper, fresh tomato & black olives in stated quantity as directed & set aside.
  • Slice unpeeled eggplant into 1/4" thick slices. Put olive oil in a saute pan & cook eggplant slices (in batches) till just slightly tender. Remove from pan & set aside.
  • In the same pan, add onion, celery & bell pepper. Saute till crisp-tender.
  • Remove from heat & stir in chopped tomato, black olives, herbs & spices.
  • Place 1/3 of eggplant slices in a 9x13" baking dish. Top with 1/3 of veggie/spice mixture & repeat layering 2 more times. Bake 15 minutes.
  • While casserole is baking, beat eggs & set aside. In a separate bowl, combine breadcrumbs, 2 tbsp olive oil & Parmesan cheese. Mix well & set aside.
  • At 15 minutes, remove casserole from oven. Drizzle beaten eggs over surface, let them seep into the veggie mixture & move veggies around gently using a fork to aid this process as required.
  • Sprinkle breadcrumb, olive oil & Parmesan cheese mixture evenly over surface & return to oven for 15 min or till breadcrumbs are golden brown. Serve immediately.
  • NOTE: While the recipe did not suggest this, IMO this dish is capable of being expanded to a 1-dish meal w/the addition of your cooked grd meat of choice &/or crumbled feta cheese as another option.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 372.6, Fat 28, SaturatedFat 4.5, Cholesterol 71.1, Sodium 373.1, Carbohydrate 26.2, Fiber 9.1, Sugar 7.7, Protein 7.5

EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) PARMESAN (EASY!)



Eggplant (Aubergine) Parmesan (Easy!) image

I'm the only one in my household that likes eggplant, so when I found this easy recipe years ago, I held onto it tight. Adjust the cheese amounts to suit yourself.

Provided by GinnyP

Categories     Vegetable

Time 55m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 4

2 1/2 cups pasta sauce
1 medium eggplant (about 1 1/2 to 2 lb.)
4 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated (or more)
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, about

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Spray or lightly oil a 9 x 13-inch pan.
  • Spread 1/2 c sauce in pan.
  • Peel eggplant and slice 1/2" thick.
  • Arrange 1/2 the slices in the baking pan.
  • Top with 1/2 c sauce, 1/2 the mozzarella, the remainder of the eggplant slices, and the remainder of the sauce.
  • Cover with aluminum foil and bake 45 to 55 minutes.
  • Top with the remainder of the mozzarella and the parmesan and return to oven, uncovered, under the broiler, until the cheese is lightly browned and bubbly.

Tips:

  • When choosing eggplants, look for firm, unblemished ones with smooth, shiny skin. Avoid eggplants that are soft, wrinkled, or have brown spots.
  • To reduce the bitterness of eggplants, salt them generously and let them rest for 30 minutes before cooking. Then, rinse them thoroughly and pat them dry.
  • If you don't have orzo, you can use another small pasta shape, such as ditalini or penne.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables to this casserole, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
  • Serve this casserole with a side of yogurt or tzatziki sauce.

Conclusion:

This Aegean Eggplant, Aubergine, Tomato, Orzo Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is packed with flavor and is sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting way to cook eggplant, give this recipe a try!

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