Eggplant with tomato sauce

Eggplants with Tomato Sauce - a delicious and healthy recipe

Eggplants with tomato sauce are a perfect choice for those who want to enjoy a tasty dish that combines the intense flavor of roasted eggplants with the richness of tomato sauce. This recipe is a lighter version of stuffed eggplants, yet just as delicious. I invite you to discover the steps to create a dish that can be served as a side to meats or as a savory appetizer.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

- 4 medium eggplants (approximately 800 g)
- 2 kg ripe tomatoes
- 200 ml sunflower oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 heads of garlic
- 1 bunch of fresh celery
- Sprigs of dried thyme for flavor

A Brief History

Eggplants, native to Asia, have been cultivated for thousands of years and have become a staple ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine. They are highly valued not only for their taste but also for their nutritional benefits. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, eggplants are an excellent choice for a healthy diet. Tomato sauce, on the other hand, is a versatile ingredient that adds flavor and aroma to dishes.

Step by Step - Your Guide to a Perfect Dish

1. Preparing the Eggplants:
- Start by peeling the eggplants. This not only helps remove bitterness but also gives them a finer texture. Cut the eggplants into thick slices of about 1 cm.
- Wash the eggplants with cold water and let them drain in a colander for 10-15 minutes. This step is essential to eliminate excess water.

2. Salting and Cooking the Eggplants:
- After draining, lightly salt the eggplants to season them. Then, you can grill them on a grill pan. If you want to avoid excess oil, this cooking method is ideal. If you prefer, you can fry them, but you will need to use more oil.
- Place the eggplants on a platter and let them cool while you prepare the sauce.

3. Preparing the Tomato Sauce:
- Choose healthy, ripe tomatoes. Wash them with cold water, cut them into large pieces, and puree them using a food processor. This step will ensure a smooth texture for the sauce.
- In a pot, combine the pureed tomatoes with sunflower oil and let them simmer on low heat. Stir occasionally until the oil rises to the top, indicating that the sauce is ready.
- Adjust the sauce with salt and pepper to taste and add freshly chopped celery. Turn off the heat and let the sauce cool slightly.

4. Assembling the Dish:
- Now it's time to deal with the sterilized jars. Start adding a few slices of roasted eggplant, slices of garlic, and a few tablespoons of hot sauce to each jar.
- Continue layering until the jars are full, making sure the last layer is tomato sauce. Add a sprig of thyme to each jar for added flavor.

5. Baking the Jars:
- Place the jars in a baking tray and put them in a preheated oven at medium temperature for 10 minutes. This step will help seal the jars, preserving the aroma and freshness of the dish.
- Turn off the heat and let the jars cool in the oven until the next day. This is an excellent preservation method.

6. Storing and Serving:
- Once cooled, store the jars in the pantry. Eggplants with tomato sauce can be used as a side dish to meats or enjoyed as is, as a delicious appetizer.

Useful Tips

- Choosing Eggplants: Look for firm and shiny eggplants. Avoid those with spots or soft areas.
- Tomatoes: Use seasonal tomatoes, as they are the most flavorful. You can also opt for canned tomatoes, but the taste will be different.
- Vegan Option: This recipe is already vegan, but you can add other vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers to diversify and intensify the flavors.
- Storage: Eggplants with tomato sauce can be stored for several months, making it an excellent dish to prepare in larger quantities and enjoy later.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of oil?
Yes, you can use olive oil for a more intense flavor, but you will get a different aroma.

2. How can I enrich the tomato sauce?
Add herbs like basil or oregano, or even a splash of red wine for an extra flavor boost.

3. Is this recipe suitable for canning?
Yes, this recipe is ideal for canning as long as you follow the correct sterilization steps.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve eggplants with tomato sauce alongside a slice of toasted bread or with a fresh green salad. They also pair excellently with a glass of white or red wine, depending on your preferences.

In conclusion, eggplants with tomato sauce are not only a healthy choice but also a dish that brings a touch of joy to every meal. I encourage you to try this recipe, play with flavors, and discover your own cooking style. Enjoy your meal!