Irresistible Eggplant and Potato Bake: A Comfort Food Classic
Picture opening the oven door and being greeted by the comforting aroma of a rustic dish that takes you back to family Sundays: that’s the bake that lingers in your memories. Today, I’ll walk you through creating a special version, a perfect marriage of earthy flavors and tradition.
The star of our kitchen will be an irresistible combination: eggplants and potatoes, joined by the creamy texture of fresh ricotta and the bold character of its smoky variant. A comfort food classic that wins you over with the first bite, thanks to the aromatic touch of fresh basil, torn by hand to enhance its flavor.
I’ll guide you through each stage, from preparing the vegetables to the final gratin, under which lies the golden crispness provided by smoked hard ricotta. And if you want to add a personal twist, throw in a few mint leaves to surprise your senses. Get ready for a culinary experience that speaks to both the heart and the palate!
Recipe Notes
- EASE: This recipe is a breeze to make – quick and simple.
- FLAVORS: The perfect balance of flavors between eggplant, potatoes, and smoked ricotta.
- PREPARATION: Detailed steps for a flawless result.
- TIME: Total preparation and cooking time is approximately 90 minutes.
- NUTRITIONAL NOTES: Around 400 calories per serving.
Notes on the recipe’s ingredients
- Eggplants: drain and dice to remove bitterness
- Potatoes: peel and dice for a creamy texture
- Fresh ricotta: drain to remove excess water
- Smoked ricotta: grate for a crispy, aromatic topping
- Cherry tomatoes: add for a touch of freshness to the bake
Nutritional aspects
Let’s discover the benefits of this delicious eggplant and potato bake with smoked ricotta:
- Rich in fiber from the eggplants and potatoes, great for digestion.
- Packs quality protein from the fresh and smoked ricotta.
- Low in saturated fats, happy heart!
- Cherry tomatoes and basil provide natural vitamins and antioxidants.
- Extra-virgin olive oil delivers healthy monounsaturated fats.
- A serving contains approximately 400 Kcal, perfect for a balanced meal.
- Gluten-free: suitable for those following a gluten-free diet (watch out for cross-contamination).
Recipe for Eggplant and Potato Casserole with Smoked Ricotta
Instructions
- Start by draining the fresh ricotta for at least 3 hours to remove excess water.
- Slice the eggplants and sprinkle them with salt, letting them rest for about half an hour; this will help remove the bitterness.
- Meanwhile, peel the potatoes and cut them into small cubes.
- Rinse the eggplants to remove the salt and also cut them into cubes.
- In a large pan, sauté the finely chopped onion in extra-virgin olive oil until it becomes translucent.
- Add the potato and eggplant cubes to the pan, together with the cherry tomatoes cut in half, a pinch of salt, and cook until the vegetables are well braised.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a bowl, sift the drained ricotta and mix it with the beaten egg and a pinch of salt until it becomes a homogeneous mixture.
- Add the braised vegetables and freshly torn basil to the ricotta mixture to enhance the flavor.
- Grease a baking dish with extra-virgin olive oil and pour the prepared mixture into it, leveling it well.
- Grate the smoked hard ricotta over the top, creating a uniform layer that will add crispiness to the surface of the casserole.
- Bake the casserole for about 30 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy.
Notes
Variations for Cheesy Eggplant and Potato Bake with Smoked Ricotta
Here are some ways to personalize the recipe and make it even more special!
- Add roasted bell peppers for a sweet and smoky touch.
- Swap the smoked ricotta for grated pecorino for a more intense flavor.
- Try incorporating crispy bacon bits for a salty and savory twist.
- Use fresh mint as a garnish for a fresh and unexpected aromatic note.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Recipe
If you’re unsure about how to make the eggplant and potato bake, here are the answers to the most common questions.
How can I get rid of the bitterness of the eggplants?
After slicing them, sprinkle them with salt and let them sit for about half an hour. Then rinse them thoroughly under running water.
How can I make the surface of the bake crispy?
Grate some smoked hard cheese over the top before baking the dish. This will create a uniform layer that will add crispiness to the surface.
