Eggplant Zuccotto

Eggplants are a versatile and delicious ingredient that can add flavor and texture to our dishes. We start by washing the eggplants well to ensure they are clean of impurities. After washing them, we dry them with a towel, then cut them into evenly sized cubes to cook uniformly. In a frying pan, we heat olive oil, and when it starts to sizzle, we add the eggplant cubes. We let them fry well until they become golden and soft, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Once fried, we remove the eggplants onto a paper towel to drain excess oil, and then sprinkle salt over them to enhance the flavor.

In another frying pan, we add two tablespoons of olive oil, and when it is warm, we add the breadcrumbs. We let the breadcrumbs fry for a few minutes, stirring constantly until they become golden and crispy. This will add a delicious texture to our dish. Next, we take care of the tomatoes. We wash two tomatoes and place them in a pot of boiling water for a few moments. After removing them, we peel them, cut them in half, and remove the seeds, then blend them to obtain a fine puree.

In a bowl, we combine the fried eggplant cubes with the tomato puree. We add the fried breadcrumbs, grated garlic cloves, finely chopped fresh basil leaves, salt, and pepper to taste. We mix all the ingredients well so that the flavors blend perfectly. Finally, we add the cheese, preferably a variety that melts well, such as formaggio, and homogenize the composition.

We prepare a round bowl and cover the inside with plastic wrap, ensuring the edges extend slightly over the rim of the bowl. We pour the eggplant mixture and the rest of the ingredients into the bowl, making sure to arrange it evenly. Once we have chopped all the ingredients and combined them, we fold the edges of the wrap over the eggplant mixture, ensuring it is well covered. We let the dish rest at room temperature for at least an hour; I prefer to put it in the refrigerator, where it will chill and the flavors will intensify.

When we are ready to serve, we take the dish out of the refrigerator, carefully unwrap the plastic wrap, and turn it out onto a platter. The dish is served at room temperature, and each slice will be a true delight. Enjoy your meal!