1eggplant or brinjal, I used the big one that we use to make bharta
1Tablespoon Salt
2Tablespoons olive oilfor brushing
2TeaspoonsItalian seasoning
10basil leavescut into chiffonade strips or long strips (optional)
⅓Cup Parmesan cheese
⅓Cup Mozzarella
Chilli flakes for sprinkling
For the Sauce:
2-3Teaspoonsolive oil
3Nos.Garlic cloves very finely chopped
2Cups Tomatopeeled and diced
½TeaspoonItalian seasoning
¼TeaspoonOregano
Instructions
Make ¾ inch thick slices of the brinjal.
Apply salt and put the brinjal slices on a kitchen napkin. The salt will marinate and remove the water content in the brinjal.
After about 30 minutes the brinjal needs to be baked at 190°°C so preheat the oven after 15 minutes.
Make the sauce as the brinjal is marinating.
Heat the olive oil and sauté the finely chopped garlic. Do not let it brown.
Add the tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and oregano and let the sauce cook on low flame until the sauce thickens. Using the fork mash the tomatoes with a fork as it cooks.
Use water a few tablespoons at a time as the sauce cooks, keeping it hot by simmering at very low heat until it is needed.
After 30 minutes, wipe the brinjal dry. Grease a baking pan arrange the brinjal slices on it.
Brush the tops of the brinjal with olive oil, and sprinkle with dried Italian seasoning.
Roast the brinjal about 25 minutes at 180°Cor till the toothpick pierced in the centre goes in through and through. The slices should not become mushy and lose their shape.
When brinjal is done remove brinjal from the oven if you have the option to broil, turn it on else like me bake.
To assemble the slices spread a few tablespoons of sauce on the top of each brinjal slice, sprinkle with thin basil slices (if using) and top with a generous amount of cheese.
I baked at 180°C till the cheese melted took about 10 minutes (I think).
Serve hot, with red chilli sprinkled on top.
Notes
Next time I will do the roasting of the brinjals on the gas on a Tawa/skillet. I will have better control and will take lesser time.