Baked Aubergines With Tomatoes Tarragon And Creme Fraiche Recipes

AUBERGINE, TOMATO & PARMESAN BAKE (MELANZANE ALLA PARMIGIANA)

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. In a shallow pan, mix together the garlic and 4 tbsp of the olive oil. Cook over a high heat for 3 mins, tip in the tomatoes, then simmer for 8 mins, stirring every now and then. Stir in the tomato purée.
• Meanwhile, heat a griddle pan until very hot. Brush a few of the aubergines with a little oil, then add to the pan. Cook over a high heat until well browned and cooked through, about 5-7 mins. Turn them halfway through cooking. Lift onto kitchen paper and do the next batch.
• When all the aubergines are cooked, lay a few of them in the bottom of an ovenproof dish, then spoon over some sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan and basil leaves. Add seasoning, then repeat this process with the remaining ingredients. Finally, pour the egg over the top, sprinkle over a little more Parmesan, then bake for 20 mins or until the topping is golden.

BAKED AUBERGINES WITH TOMATOES, TARRAGON AND CREME FRAICHE

Steps:

• Slice Aubergine into 1 cm rounds, lay in colander and sprinkle with salt, leave for 30 mins then pat dry with kitchen towel.
• Heat oil in a large fry pan (should be about a 1 cm depth so add more oil if needed) over med high heat, fry aubergines a few at a time until golden on both sides, Drain on kitchen paper.
• Melt butter in another saucepan and add the chopped tomatoes and garlic and season well with salt and pepper, cook for 15 mins until soft.
• Put the creme fraiche in a small pan and bring to boil over a med heat. Allow to bubble until reduced by a third, take off heat and add all the herbs and half of the parmesan, taste for seasoning.
• Preheat oven to 180°C Line the bottom of a large oven proof baking dish with aubergines, follow with thin coating of tomato sauce and a sprinkling of parmesan, continue layering in this way finishing with tomato sauce. Pour over the creme fraiche and sprinkle with remaining parmesan.
• Let the dish sit for a few minutes to allow the flavours to get aquainted!
• Place in oven and bake for 20-25 mins till golden brown.
• Allow to stand for 5 mins then drizzle with a little extra good Virgin Olive Oil.
• Do not serve this dish too hot.