Eggplant Pizzas

Delicious Eggplant Pizzette Recipe

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Have you ever thought about how to turn a simple vegetable into a delicacy that delights the taste buds? Eggplants are a versatile ingredient, and the eggplant pizzette recipe is proof of this. This dish is not only easy to make but also full of flavor, perfect for a light dinner or as an appetizer on a night with friends.

Short History
Eggplants have been cultivated and appreciated for thousands of years, being mentioned in various cultures as a staple ingredient. From simple dishes to sophisticated recipes, eggplants have always been a popular choice. This eggplant pizzette recipe is inspired by the tradition of combining vegetables with melted cheeses, offering an explosion of flavors and textures.

Ingredients
- 1 medium eggplant
- 2 ripe tomatoes (preferably in season)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or sunflower oil)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- Dried basil (or fresh, for a more intense flavor)
- 12 slices of cheese (preferably a cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella or cheddar)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Eggplant: Start by washing the eggplants well under a stream of cold water. Use a kitchen towel to dry them, ensuring they are completely dry. Remove the stem and slice the eggplants into round slices about 1 cm thick. These will serve as the base for your delicious pizzettes.

2. Preparing the Baking Tray: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Grease a baking tray with a little oil and place a sheet of baking paper at the bottom. This step will prevent the eggplant from sticking and make cleanup easier later.

3. Arranging the Ingredients: Place the eggplant slices in the tray, ensuring they do not overlap. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. These seasonings will highlight the natural flavor of the eggplant.

4. Preparing the Tomatoes: Wash the tomatoes, remove the stem, and cut them into small cubes. Use a teaspoon to evenly distribute the tomato cubes over each eggplant slice. The tomatoes not only add a fresh taste but also a splash of color to the dish.

5. Garlic and Cheese: Peel the two cloves of garlic and crush them. Sprinkle the crushed garlic over the tomatoes, giving an intense and aromatic flavor. Then, place a slice of cheese on each pizzette, followed by a sprinkle of dried basil. If you have fresh basil, use it for an even more vibrant aroma.

6. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and melts beautifully, and the eggplants are tender.

7. Cooling and Serving: Once the eggplant pizzettes are ready, remove the tray from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and make each bite even more delicious.

Serving Suggestions
These eggplant pizzettes can be served warm as an appetizer or as a main dish alongside a fresh salad. You can add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving for an even more intense flavor. If you want to turn them into a complete meal, you can pair them with a serving of rice or quinoa.

Possible Variations
- Vegetable Variations: You can add slices of zucchini or bell peppers to diversify the flavors.
- Different Cheeses: Instead of cheese, experiment with feta cheese or grated parmesan for a saltier taste.
- Spices: You can add fresh basil, oregano, or even chili for an extra flavor boost.

Nutritional Benefits
Eggplants are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making them an excellent choice for a healthy diet. Additionally, tomatoes are an important source of vitamin C and lycopene, a beneficial antioxidant for heart health.

Calories
Each serving of eggplant pizzettes contains approximately 200-250 calories, depending on the amount of oil and the type of cheese used. It is an excellent choice for a light lunch or dinner without compromising on taste.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen eggplants? It is not recommended, as the texture will change. Fresh eggplants are best.
- Can I make the recipe vegetarian? Yes, the recipe is already vegetarian, but make sure the chosen cheese is free from animal-derived ingredients if that is important to you.
- Can they be prepared in advance? Yes, you can prepare the pizzettes and bake them just before serving.

Personal Note
This eggplant pizzette recipe takes me back to moments spent around the table with family, when each of us contributed with a favorite ingredient. I encourage you to experiment and add your own variations, thus turning each meal into a unique experience. Enjoy your meal!