Indulge your taste buds with a culinary masterpiece that combines the smoky richness of eggplant with a creamy, luscious béchamel sauce. This classic French dish, known as Eggplant Gratin, features tender slices of eggplant baked to perfection, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. As you delve into this delectable journey, discover a symphony of other recipes that await you, each offering a unique take on this culinary delight.
Dive into the secrets of preparing a traditional Eggplant Gratin, where the subtle smokiness of eggplant intermingles with the creamy embrace of béchamel, resulting in a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated. Allow your taste buds to be tantalized by the medley of flavors in the Ratatouille Gratin, where eggplant joins forces with zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes, creating a vibrant and hearty gratin that celebrates the bounty of summer produce.
For a taste of Mediterranean sunshine, explore the sun-drenched flavors of the Greek Moussaka Gratin. Layers of eggplant, potatoes, and ground beef are enveloped in a velvety béchamel sauce, topped with a golden crust that promises a burst of flavor in every bite. And if you seek a vegetarian delight, uncover the treasures of the Eggplant and Spinach Gratin, where tender eggplant and spinach are harmoniously united in a creamy béchamel embrace, resulting in a dish that is both wholesome and satisfying.
Embark on a culinary adventure with this collection of Eggplant Gratin recipes, each offering a distinctive interpretation of this French classic. Indulge in the smoky charm of eggplant, the richness of béchamel, and the endless possibilities that await within these pages. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds and create unforgettable dining experiences that will leave your guests craving for more.
MOUSSAKA: EGGPLANT CASSEROLE
Greek Moussaka is an eggplant casserole with layers of roasted eggplant and spiced meat sauce, topped with creamy bechamel sauce. Once baked, be sure to allow the moussaka a few minutes to rest before cutting through, the casserole needs to settle so it does not fall apart when you slice into it. More tips in the post and recipe notes.
Provided by Suzy Karadsheh
Categories Entree
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- Salt the eggplant. Spread the eggplant slices in one layer and sprinkle with salt. Let set for 30 minutes to "sweat out" its bitterness.
- Turn the broiler of your oven on.
- Prepare a large sheet pan or two and brush with extra virgin olive oil. Pat the eggplant slices dry, removing excess salt, and assemble in one layer on the prepared pan. Brush generously with olive oil.
- Place the sheet pan about 6 inches away from the broiler. Broil the eggplant briefly, turning over so that both sides are softened and golden brown (do not worry if parts of the eggplant are slightly charred, but watch carefully so it doesn't burn). Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Prepare the meat sauce. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet. Cook the onions on medium heat until they turn slightly golden brown, stirring regularly (about 5 minutes). Now add the ground lamb. Cook the lamb until fully browned, tossing regularly. Drain the lamb from any excess fat and return to the skillet. Add the dried oregano, cinnamon, pepper, nutmeg, and hot paprika. Stir to coat the meat with the spices. Add the wine and boil for 1 minute to reduce. Stir in the canned tomatoes, sugar, and broth. Simmer over medium-low heat for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat the oven to 350 degrees F and work on the bechamel.
- Make the bechamel. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Stir in the flour, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden (if needed, added a little more olive oil). Gradually add the warmed milk, whisking continuously. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes. Add the nutmeg. In a small bowl, whisk a small amount of the hot bechamel mixture with the 2 eggs. Then return all to the pan and stir into the bechamel mixture. Continue to stir or whisk the mixture bringing to a gentle boil for just 2 more minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Remove from the heat and allow to cool and thicken a little more. (You should have a creamy, thick and smooth bechamel sauce.)
- Assemble the moussaka. When ready, lightly oil a 9 ½" x 13" oven-safe baking dish. Layer half the eggplant slices on the bottom. Add the meat sauce and spread well. Add the remaining eggplant slices. Pour the bechamel on top and spread to cover all the eggplant, then sprinkle with the bread crumbs.
- Bake. Bake the moussaka casserole on the center rack of the heated oven for 45 minutes. If you need to, transfer the baking pan to the top rack and broil briefly so that the top of the moussaka gains a nice golden brown color (watch carefully).
- Remove from the heat and let the casserole sit for 10 minutes before cutting through into squares to serve. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 309.9 kcal, Sodium 259.4 mg, Fat 20 g, SaturatedFat 6.4 g, TransFat 0.1 g, Carbohydrate 19.4 g, Fiber 3.5 g, Protein 12.3 g, Cholesterol 61.2 mg, UnsaturatedFat 10.5 g, ServingSize 1 serving
BAKED PASTA WITH TOMATOES AND EGGPLANT
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F. (Make sure your oven is clean!) Place three (6-inch) gratin dishes on a sheet pan and set aside.
- Boil a large pot of water, add a tablespoon of salt, and add the pasta. If you're using one type of pasta, cook it for 1 to 2 minutes less than the directions on the package. If you're using two kinds of pasta, start with the one that cooks longest and add the second later so they finish at the same time. You want the pasta to be quite al dente. Drain.
- Pour the Tomato and Eggplant Soup into a large bowl, add the cooked pasta, the mozzarella, 2 tablespoons of the Parmesan, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 3/4 teaspoon pepper and toss well. Divide the mixture evenly among the three gratin dishes, dot the tops with the butter, and bake for 10 minutes, until hot and bubbly and the pasta begins to brown. Sprinkle each dish with 1 tablespoon of the remaining Parmesan, bake for another 4 minutes, and serve hot.
- Heat 1/2 cup olive oil in a medium (10 to 11-inch) pot or Dutch oven, such as Le Creuset, over medium heat. Add the eggplant and saute for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender. Add a little more olive oil if the eggplant is sticking.
- Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to the pot, add the onions and fennel, and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is tender but not browned. Add the garlic and cook for one minute, stirring often. Add the chicken stock, crushed tomatoes, fennel seeds, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, 1 tablespoon salt, and 2 teaspoons black pepper. Pour the can of whole tomatoes, including the liquid, into a food processor and pulse until the tomatoes are coarsely chopped. Add the tomatoes and the liquid to the pot. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste for seasonings. Serve hot in large bowls sprinkled with Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.
Tips:
- To ensure the eggplant is cooked evenly, slice it thinly and cook it in a single layer.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor in the gratin.
- If you don't have time to make the béchamel sauce from scratch, you can use a good-quality store-bought sauce.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the gratin, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Top the gratin with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before baking for a delicious and golden crust.
Conclusion:
Eggplant gratin with béchamel sauce is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. It can be served as a main course or a side dish, and it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. With its creamy, cheesy sauce and tender eggplant, this gratin is a dish that everyone will love. Try it today and see for yourself how easy and delicious it is to make!
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