Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins | Yield: 6 Servings
If you are planning on having a vegetarian dinner, then this recipe is the one for you! This Turkish Eggplant Casserole with Tomatoes is very easy to prepare! All you need are these ingredients and simple steps, and you are good to go! Try it now!
Ingredients:
1 14.5 oz. can of diced tomatoes
2 large garlic cloves, minced
¼ tsp red chili flakes
Sea salt
1 small yellow onion, diced
Dash of cinnamon
2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley, divided
Olive oil
2 medium eggplant (or 4 small Italian eggplants), about 1 ¾ lb., thinly sliced ¼-inch thick lengthwise
Directions:
Prepare the oven and preheat to 175 degrees C or 350 degrees F.
Sprinkle some salt over the eggplants and allow them to rest for at least 20 minutes. Use paper towels to pat them dry.
Place a cast-iron skillet on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high. Add olive oil and allow it to become hot.
Add the eggplants into the hot skillet in batches, then fry each side for about 2 minutes or until they turn brown.
Remove the eggplants from the skillet and transfer them onto a clean plate. Repeat the process with the rest of the eggplants. Make sure to add more oil if needed.
In the same empty skillet, add the onion and sauté for a few minutes until translucent.
Add the garlic, chili flakes, salt, and cinnamon. Sauté for about a minute or until aromatic.
Add the tomatoes and sauté for about 5 minutes.
Remove the skillet from the heat, then stir in ½ of the parsley.
Add about ¼ cup of the sauce into an 8×8-inch casserole dish and spread it evenly.
Place the eggplants over the sauce and arrange them in a single layer. Pour 1 cup of sauce over. Repeat the process with the rest of the ingredients until everything is arranged in layers. Cover the casserole with foil.
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes.
Remove from the oven and allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes.
Sprinkle the rest of the parsley on top to garnish.
Serve and enjoy!