Eggplants with cheese and milk core

Eggplants with cheese and tomato sauce – A simple and delicious recipe

When it comes to delicious and comforting dishes, eggplants with cheese and tomato sauce are a perfect choice, easy to prepare and full of flavor. This dish is not only savory, but it also brings a touch of nostalgia, evoking childhood memories when grandmothers spoiled us with fresh vegetable dishes. In this recipe, eggplants are combined with melted cheese and a flavorful tomato sauce, resulting in a dish best served warm.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients:
- 6 slices of eggplant (approximately 300 g)
- 6 slices of cheese (approximately 150 g)
- 1 cube of Miez de lapte cheese
- 1 small onion (approximately 100 g)
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil (or other vegetable oil)
- 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste (preferably homemade, but store-bought is fine)
- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preparing the eggplants:
Start by washing the eggplants well under cold running water. Cut them into slices about 1 cm thick. If you want to reduce bitterness, you can sprinkle a little salt on the eggplant slices and let them sit for 15-20 minutes. Then rinse them well and dry them with a kitchen towel.

2. Cooking the eggplants:
Preheat the grill or a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the eggplant slices and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they become soft and slightly browned. This process will intensify the flavor of the eggplants and give them a delicious texture.

3. Preparing the onion sauce:
In a separate pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft. Add the tomato paste and mix well. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking.

4. Assembling the dish:
In a plate or a baking dish, place a layer of sautéed onion, followed by a slice of eggplant, a slice of cheese, and repeat the process until all ingredients are used. Finally, place the cube of Miez de lapte cheese on top, which will melt and create a delicious crust.

5. Finalizing:
Place the dish in the microwave for a few seconds, just enough to melt the cheese. Alternatively, you can use a conventional oven at 180°C for 5-7 minutes. Serve the dish on a platter while it is still warm.

Serving suggestions:
These eggplants with cheese are excellent served alongside a fresh salad or with toasted bread. Additionally, a glass of white wine or fresh lemonade perfectly complements the meal.

Helpful tips:
- If you want to enrich the recipe, you can add some slices of fresh tomatoes or bell peppers between the layers of eggplant.
- You can use various types of cheese, such as mozzarella or feta, to give a personal touch to the dish.
- This dish is ideal for serving at both lunch and dinner, being a healthy and filling option.

Nutritional benefits:
Eggplants are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, contributing to healthy digestion. Combined with cheese, this dish becomes a good source of protein and calcium.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other vegetables? Absolutely! This dish can also be made with zucchini or mushrooms, depending on your preferences.
- What is the best cheese for this dish? Cheese melts well, but you can also experiment with other cheeses, depending on your taste.

Possible variations:
- Instead of tomato paste, you can try homemade tomato sauce with herbs like basil or oregano for an extra flavor boost.
- For a vegetarian version, use tofu instead of cheese.

This simple and tasty dish is not just a culinary delight, but also an opportunity to bring family and friends together around the table. Enjoy and savor every bite!