Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Mutti Triple Concentrated Tomato Paste, No Additives or Preservatives, Vegan, Gluten Free & Non-GMO, 6.5 Oz (Pack of 12)
$39.36
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Muir Glen Organic Tomato Paste, 6 oz. (Pack of 24)
$52.94
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Bianco DiNapoli Organic Tomato Paste 6 oz cans 24 pack
$50.00
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Pompeian Robust Extra Virgin Olive Oil, First Cold Pressed, Full-Bodied Flavor, Perfect for Salad Dressings & Marinades, 68 FL. OZ.
$25.23
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Colavita All Natural Roasted Garlic Extra Virgin Olive Oil 32oz Plastic
$29.74
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Pompeian Smooth Extra Virgin Olive Oil, First Cold Pressed, Mild and Delicate Flavor, Perfect for Sauteing & Stir-Frying, Naturally Gluten Free, Non-Allergenic, Non-GMO, 32 Fl Oz
$14.58
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Instructions
Step 1
Start by dicing the onion into small cubes. This will be used as a base for our dish. In a skillet, add the olive oil and let it heat over medium heat.
Once the oil is warm, add the chopped onion and cover the skillet. Sauté the onions gently until they become translucent and soft.
Step 2
Next, chop the tomatoes into cubes and add them to the skillet with the onions. Stir well to combine.
Let the mixture simmer until the tomatoes become soft and release their juices. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3
In a separate cup, mix the tomato paste with 1 ½ cups of water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the onions and tomatoes.
Continue to cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 4
Once thickened, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the oregano. Taste the sauce and adjust salt as needed. Set the sauce aside for later use.
Step 5
Now, slice the Helios eggplants into 1 cm (about 0.4 inches) thick rounds. This thickness helps them cook evenly and retain their shape.
In a clean skillet, add some olive oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Fry the eggplant slices on both sides for about 3-4 minutes per side until they are golden and tender. Transfer the cooked slices to a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Step 6
In a deep skillet or baking dish, spread a thin layer of the reserved sauce over the bottom. Begin layering the fried eggplant slices on top.
On each eggplant slice, add 1 tablespoon of sauce, press in 1 clove of crushed garlic, and sprinkle with salt to taste. Repeat this layering process until all eggplant and sauce are used, ensuring that the top layer is sauce.
Step 7
If the sauce is too thick, add an extra ½ cup of water to adjust the consistency. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 8
After 20 minutes, remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool slightly before serving. This dish can be enjoyed warm or cold.
If you want to add a Roman twist, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and slices of mozzarella between the layers. However, for optimal flavor, it is best served warm.
Step 9
Honestly, I love this dish either without cheese or just with Parmesan. But it all depends on personal taste, so don't hesitate to try different versions!
Servings
Also, don't forget to pair it with a simple salad. A mix of greens with a zesty vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the dish perfectly! 🍅🥗
This dish can be enjoyed hot or cold, making it **perfect for meal prep**. You can take it on picnics or serve it at family gatherings. Just remember, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Do you want to take it to the next level? Add some **shredded Parmesan or mozzarella cheese** between layers to give it a gooey, comforting feel! While it’s wonderful without cheese, a little extra indulgence never hurts. 🧀
Equipment
Use a deep frying pan for even cooking, and don’t forget to coat it with olive oil to prevent the eggplants from sticking. A non-stick variety works wonders!
HexClad Hybrid Nonstick 7-Inch Fry Pan, Stay-Cool Handle, Dishwasher and Oven Safe, Induction Ready, Compatible with All Cooktops
$109.00
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SENSARTE Nonstick Ceramic Saute Pan 10-Inch, Non-toxic Deep Frying Pan Skillet with Lid, Healthy Jumbo Cooker, Stay Cool Handle, Induction Compatible, PFOA & PFAS Free
$43.99
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Tramontina Professional Series 8-Inch Fry Pan, Heavy-Gauge Aluminum with Reinforced Nonstick Coating, Oven and Dishwasher Safe, NSF Certified, Made in Brazil
$26.06
$35.00
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This is essential for layering the dish. A dish with high sides will help keep everything contained while it simmers.
Sharp knives make all the difference in chopping your ingredients uniformly and efficiently.
SMIRLY Wooden Cutting Boards For Kitchen - Bamboo Cutting Board Set with Holder, Wood Cutting Board Set, Cutting Board Wood, Wooden Chopping Board, Wooden Cutting Board Set
$45.99
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Smart Cutting Board and Knife Set - Self Cleaning Cutting Board Set with 4 Color Coded Cutting Boards, 4 Stainless Steel Knives - Drying Holder Organizer for Kitchen
$139.99
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To ensure precise measurements of ingredients, especially with the tomato paste and water. Accuracy leads to perfect flavor!
Spring Chef Stainless Steel Measuring Cups and Measuring Spoons Set of 14 with Leveler, Nesting Kitchen Metal Measuring Cups and Spoons Set for Dry and Liquid Ingredients, Perfect for Cooking & Baking
$21.99
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Simply Gourmet Measuring Cups and Spoons Set of 12, 304 Premium Stainless Steel, Stackable Cups Long Handle Spoons Fits Narrow Jars, Kitchen Gadgets for Liquid & Dry Ingredients Cooking Baking
$32.98
$45.99
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Stainless Steel Measuring Cups And Measuring Spoons 10-Piece Set, 5 Cups And 5 Spoons
$13.95
$17.98
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Variations
For a vegan twist, this recipe is already vegan-friendly! You can further enhance flavors by **adding spices** like smoked paprika or chili flakes for a kick. Consider serving it with a side of quinoa or brown rice for a wholesome meal! 🍚 Make these small tweaks, and enjoy the dish without compromise!
Faq
- What if my eggplants are bitter?
If your eggplants taste bitter, try slicing them and sprinkling with salt for about 30 minutes before cooking. Rinse and pat dry to remove excess salt and bitterness!
- Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for an even more colorful and varied dish.
- How can I achieve the perfect sauce consistency?
If your sauce is too thick, gradually add more water until you reach the desired consistency. Make sure you don't overcook it; a simmer for about 3-5 minutes should thicken it just right!
- Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare everything beforehand and then just heat it up before serving. It will taste even better after the flavors have melded overnight!
- What storage options do I have after cooking?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month.
- Can I bake instead of simmering?
Sure! After layering, bake it at 375°F (190°C) covered with foil for about 30-40 minutes for a different texture. Enjoy the cheesy, baked goodness!
