This eggplant recipe, popular in the 70s and 80s, is a delicious and nostalgic dish that combines layers of eggplant, tomatoes, spinach, and cheese. Follow these detailed steps to recreate this classic, flavorful dish.
Ingredients:
- 3 eggplants
- 1 teaspoon of salt (for soaking the eggplants)
- 3 large tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon of salt (for seasoning tomatoes)
- A pinch of oregano (for seasoning tomatoes and eggplant)
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
- 140 grams of spinach
- 4 tablespoons of ricotta cream
- 1 crushed garlic clove
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt (for spinach mixture)
- 1 teaspoon of oregano (for spinach mixture)
- 200 grams of grated mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 3 tablespoons of tomato sauce (divided)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Eggplants:
- Start by cutting off the tops and bottoms of the three eggplants.
- Slice the eggplants into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
- Fill a large bowl with water and add 1 teaspoon of salt. Soak the eggplant slices in the salted water for 15-20 minutes. This helps to remove any bitterness from the eggplant.
- Prepare the Tomatoes:
- Cut the three large tomatoes into slices.
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt and a pinch of oregano over the tomato slices and set them aside.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet:
- Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Drizzle some olive oil on a large baking sheet.
- Arrange the eggplant slices on the baking sheet in a single layer.
- Sprinkle some oregano and drizzle more olive oil over the eggplant slices.
- Prepare the Spinach Mixture:
- Chop the 140 grams of spinach into strips.
- In a bowl, combine the chopped spinach, 4 tablespoons of ricotta cream, 1 crushed garlic clove, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 teaspoon of oregano. Mix well to create a creamy spinach mixture.
- Assemble the Dish:
- In a baking dish, start by adding a layer of the seasoned eggplant slices.
- Spread 2 tablespoons of the spinach cream mixture over the eggplant slices.
- Add half of the tomato slices over the spinach cream.
- Sprinkle 100 grams of grated mozzarella cheese over the tomatoes.
- Add another layer of the remaining eggplant slices.
- Spread 3 tablespoons of tomato sauce over the eggplant.
- Add another layer of the remaining spinach cream mixture.
- Top with the remaining tomato slices.
- Brush some more tomato sauce over the top layer.
- Bake the Dish:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Serve:
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Cut into slices and serve warm.
Tips and Variations:
- Cheese Options: You can use other types of cheese like cheddar or feta for a different flavor.
- Herb Enhancements: Add fresh basil or thyme to the spinach mixture for added aroma and taste.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce for a bit of heat.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Eggplant: A good source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. It can help with digestion and heart health.
- Spinach: Packed with iron, vitamins, and minerals. Spinach is great for bone health and reducing oxidative stress.
- Tomatoes: Rich in vitamins C and K, potassium, and antioxidants. They support heart health and skin health.
- Cheese: Provides calcium and protein, which are essential for bone health and muscle function.
This forgotten eggplant recipe from the 70s and 80s is a delightful combination of vegetables, cheese, and creamy ricotta. The layers of eggplant, spinach, and tomatoes create a rich and flavorful dish that is both nostalgic and satisfying. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to impress and bring back fond memories.
Share Your Experience:
I hope you enjoy making and eating this classic eggplant dish. Share this recipe with friends and family, and let me know how it turned out for you. If you have any favorite variations or tips, I’d love to hear about them. Enjoy this delicious and convenient meal, and see you in the next recipe adventure!
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