Aubergine Appetizer

 Ingredients: 1 eggplant 1 large tomato Mozzarella 1 clove of garlic Olive oil Salt pepper Parsley for decoration Sauce: 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 4-5 tablespoons water 1 teaspoon heaping sugar 1 pinch of salt 2 fresh or dried basil leaves

Eggplant is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can transform any meal into a flavorful culinary experience. In this recipe, we will explore how to prepare an attractive platter with fried eggplant, mozzarella, and fresh tomatoes, all seasoned with a fragrant sauce.

Start by preparing the eggplant. Cut it into slices about 1-1.5 cm thick. It is important to salt them to extract excess moisture and prevent bitterness. Let the eggplant slices sit for 20-30 minutes, then rinse them under cold running water and dry them well with paper towels. This step will ensure even and crispy frying.

In a deep pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the eggplant slices, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. After frying, place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Meanwhile, prepare the sauce. Peel the tomatoes, either by blanching or simply removing the skin with a knife. Chop them finely, making sure to remove the seeds. Peel and finely chop the garlic after removing the bulb. In the same pan where you fried the eggplant, add the chopped tomatoes and garlic, season with salt and pepper, then stir. Let the mixture simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften and a fragrant sauce forms.

While the sauce is cooking, slice the mozzarella into thin slices. Arrange the eggplant slices on a plate, followed by slices of mozzarella and cubes of tomato. Repeat this process until all the ingredients are beautifully arranged on the plate, finishing with a final slice of eggplant on top.

For an attractive appearance, garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley. Also, drizzle the fragrant sauce over the top, adding a splash of olive oil for extra flavor.

Serve this platter warm, alongside a fresh green salad or toasted bread. It is a simple yet flavorful recipe, perfect for summer dinners or gatherings with friends. Enjoy!

 Tags:  greenery garlic tomatoes oil sugar olives eggplant gluten-free recipes vegetarian recipes fructose-free recipes