Oven-baked shrimp with gratin eggplant

Oven-Baked Eggplant Shrimp – a refined delicacy that is easy to prepare, combining the fine textures of shrimp with the intense flavors of eggplant. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but will also add a touch of elegance to your table. Eggplants, known for their versatility, become a perfect base for shrimp, and the mozzarella gratin adds a creaminess that will make you come back to this recipe again and again.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

For the eggplant:
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced
- 300 g tomato sauce (made from 2 cloves of garlic, 300 g tomato paste, salt, and pepper)
- 2 mozzarella
- Olive oil (for brushing)
- Salt and pepper, to taste

For the shrimp:
- 400 g fresh shrimp, peeled
- 200 g breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste

Preparation:

1. Preparing the eggplant: Start by washing the eggplants well. Slice them about 1 cm thick. This will allow for even cooking. Lay the eggplant slices on a cutting board, sprinkle a little salt on them, and let them sit for 10 minutes. This step will help remove the natural bitterness of the eggplants.

2. Sauté the eggplants: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a little olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the eggplant slices and sauté them for 2 minutes on each side until golden. This step will enhance the flavor of the eggplants and give them a pleasant texture.

3. Prepare the tomato sauce: In a pot, add a little olive oil and sauté the finely chopped garlic cloves. When the garlic turns golden, add the tomato paste, salt, and pepper, then let the sauce simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes. This sauce will add a rich and deep flavor to the eggplants.

4. Assemble the eggplants: Place the sautéed eggplant slices in a baking dish lined with parchment paper. Pour the tomato sauce evenly over them, then add the sliced or grated mozzarella on top. Drizzle everything with a bit of olive oil and a sprinkle of pepper.

5. Preparing the shrimp: Clean the shrimp and wash them well under cold running water. If you prefer, you can skewer them on long sticks for a nicer presentation. Season them with salt and pepper, then prepare a mixture of breadcrumbs and the 3 tablespoons of olive oil.

6. Dredging the shrimp in breadcrumbs: Dredging the shrimp in the breadcrumb mixture will add a delicious crispy crust. Make sure each shrimp is well coated. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the baking dish with the gratin eggplants and the tray with the shrimp in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the mozzarella is golden and the shrimp are well cooked.

Serving suggestions: Serve the gratin eggplants with warm shrimp, sprinkled with freshly chopped parsley for an extra touch of freshness. This dish pairs perfectly with a crunchy green salad or a serving of basmati rice, which will absorb the delicious flavors of the sauce.

Variations and tips:
- You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or parmesan, to vary the flavor.
- If you want to add a touch of freshness, you can sprinkle a few lemon slices on top before serving.
- Instead of breadcrumbs, you can use crushed cornflakes for a crunchier crust.

Nutritional benefits: This dish is rich in protein thanks to the shrimp, which are an excellent source of essential nutrients. Eggplants are high in fiber and antioxidants, offering your guests not only a culinary delight but also beneficial nutritional intake.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen eggplants? It is recommended to use fresh eggplants to achieve the best texture and flavor.
2. What wine pairs best with this dish? A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, would perfectly complement the flavors of the dish.
3. How can I store leftovers? You can store the dish in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat it in the oven to maintain the crispiness.

This oven-baked shrimp with eggplants recipe is ideal for an elegant dinner or to impress your guests. With every bite, you will savor the perfect combination of flavors and textures, and it will surely become one of your favorite recipes. Enjoy your meal!