" Baked Aubergine with Cheese and Tomato relish"

Italian food is one of the most beautiful form of Baked or Light savoury dishes.The use of vegetables, meat with a combination of herbs and olive oil makes it highly nutritious and delicious. A simple pasta and a glass of wine can be the perfect evening meal for your special occassions. Nothing can be more romantic than serving an Italian meal to your loved one on that special day. 

This weekend I made Spinach Pasta with Baked Aubergines. Today I am sharing the recipe of Baked Aubergine with cheese and tomato relish. 

Surprise your loved one with a little bit of jazz, a glass of wine and Baked Aubergine with Pasta dish.

Enjoy this recipe and I'll wait for your feedback and comments !!!

" Baked Aubergine with Cheese and Tomato relish"

Ingredients : 

Aubergine/ Big Brinjal - 500 gms ( cut into round slices )

Cornflour 3 tbsp

Salt and black pepper to taste

Olive oil  4-5 tbsp

Onions 2 finely chopped

Garlic cloves 6-7

Tomato puree 1 cup or 3 finely chopped tomatoes

Mozzarella or processed cheese 1 cup grated

Italian seasoning or Oregano 1 tbsp

Chilli Flakes 1 tbsp

Preparation:

• Preheat the oven at 180*C for ten minutes before baking
• In a wide bowl mix cornflour with salt and pepper to taste. Add water and make it in a thick paste.
• Heat olive oil in pan. Dip the Aubergine slices in the cornflour paste and fry in the hot oil till crisp and brown. Remove on a kitchen paper and keep aside
• Add garlic to the pan and fry for a minute till it browns a little and the aroma comes in. Add onions and fry till light pink in colour. 
• Add tomato puree and stir well. Add salt as per taste ( remember that even aubergine& cheese has salt so adjust accordingly)
• Once the puree becomes thick add oregano/italian seasoning and chilli flakes. Mix well.Remove from heat
• Now in a ovenproof dish, put a little tomatoe sauce on the bottom. Arrange the fried Aubergine slices on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining sauce on top of the Aubergine slices. Garnish with grated cheese on top.
• Bake in the pre heated oven for 15-20 mins till the cheese has melted.
• Serve hot with pasta of your choice.

Note : This goes well with Fussilli or Penne pasta. If you dont intend to fry the Aubergine and looking for a more healthier version then bake the slices in the oven for 40 -45 minutes. You will have to drizzle olive oil and salt on the slices and cover it with foil and then bake to get crisp and fully cooked slices.