π There are dishes that bring the sunshine of the Mediterranean straight to your plate β and this baked aubergine with cherry tomatoes & mozzarella is one of them.π Imagine tender aubergines, roasted until golden and silky, holding a bed of fragrant tomatoes infused with garlic and basil. Then comes the creamy mozzarella, melting slowly until bubbly and irresistible.π§ One bite and youβll feel like youβve travelled to a seaside Italian trattoria without leaving your kitchen. This recipe is proof that simplicity and elegance can live in perfect harmony. The flavours are bold yet balanced, rustic yet refined.
π Every forkful is a comforting embrace, with warm roasted aubergine contrasting against the juicy sweetness of tomatoes. Add the slight saltiness of olives, and you have a complete Mediterranean melody on your plate.πΆ Itβs perfect for family dinners, romantic suppers, or even as a vegetarian centrepiece at gatherings. The beauty of this dish lies in its authenticity β honest ingredients, elevated by proper cooking. You wonβt need fancy techniques or rare spices; just patience, love, and a hot oven.π₯ The aroma alone will tempt everyone into the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe proves that less really can be more πΏ. Ready to taste Mediterranean sunshine? Letβs begin this delicious journey together.β¨
β± Quick Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Easy
β Why Youβll Love This Recipe
- π Bursting with authentic Mediterranean flavours.
- π A light yet satisfying vegetarian dish.
- π§ Gooey, golden mozzarella topping thatβs irresistible.
- π Juicy cherry tomatoes infused with garlic & basil.
- π₯ Pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
- β± Quick and simple to prepare on busy evenings.
- πΏ Elegant enough to impress guests at the table.
π Nutrition Per Serving (entire recipe: 4 servings)
- Calories: 265 kcal
- Protein: 10 g
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fibre: 6 g
- Sugars: 9 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
π¨βπ³ How to Make It (Step-by-step)
βοΈ Step 1: Prepare the aubergines
Cut the aubergines in half lengthwise, brush generously with olive oil, and roast until tender and golden.
π‘ Tip: Score the flesh lightly before roasting to help it absorb flavours.
βοΈ Step 2: Soften the cherry tomatoes
SautΓ© halved cherry tomatoes in olive oil with garlic and fresh basil until soft and fragrant.
π‘ Secret: Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
βοΈ Step 3: Press and layer
Gently press the roasted aubergine flesh down with a fork to create a base, then spoon the sautΓ©ed tomatoes and olives over the top.
π‘ Tip: Donβt over-press β keeping some texture adds a rustic charm.
βοΈ Step 4: Season beautifully
Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and oregano evenly across the surface.
π‘ Secret: A touch of smoked paprika enhances depth without overpowering the Mediterranean profile.
βοΈ Step 5: Add mozzarella
Tear buffalo mozzarella into rustic chunks and place generously over the aubergines.
π‘ Tip: Use mozzarella at room temperature for better melting.
βοΈ Step 6: Bake until golden
Return to the oven at 180Β°C (360Β°F) for 20β25 minutes, until the cheese bubbles and browns slightly.
π‘ Secret: Place under the grill for 2 minutes at the end for a perfect golden crust.
βοΈ Step 7: Garnish
Scatter with fresh basil leaves for colour and aroma.
π‘ Tip: Tear basil by hand instead of chopping β it preserves the oils and fragrance.
βοΈ Step 8: Serve hot
Serve warm with crusty bread, a green salad, or couscous.
π‘ Secret: Drizzle with a touch of balsamic glaze for an extra Mediterranean twist.
βοΈ Step 9: Present with love
Arrange aubergines on a platter, drizzle lightly with olive oil, and serve family-style.
π‘ Tip: Rustic plating enhances the Mediterranean feel β no need for fussiness.
βοΈ Step 10: Enjoy the moment
Sit back, relax, and enjoy every bite of this wholesome, cheesy, sun-kissed dish.
π‘ Secret: Pair with a glass of chilled white wine for the ultimate experience.
π Ingredients
- π 2 aubergines (halved lengthwise)
- π 350 g (13 oz) cherry tomatoes
- π§ 1 clove garlic
- π« A handful of olives
- π§ Buffalo mozzarella
- πΏ Fresh basil
- π§ Salt, black pepper, oregano (to taste)
- π« Olive oil
π§ Storage & Freshness Tips
- βοΈ Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- π₯ Reheat in the oven to keep the aubergines firm and the cheese melty.
- π₯ Use leftovers in wraps, paninis, or alongside pasta.
- π« Avoid freezing, as aubergines lose texture.
- πΏ Always add fresh basil just before serving, not before storing.
π½οΈ Kitchen Tools and π οΈ Equipment Needed πͺ
- π Baking dish
- πͺ Sharp knife
- π³ Non-stick pan
- π₯ Wooden spoon
- π§ Garlic press (optional)
- π§ Cheese grater (if adding extra cheese)
- π₯ Measuring spoons
- π₯£ Mixing bowl
π Nutritional Benefits
- π Aubergines are low in calories yet filling.
- π§ Garlic boosts immunity naturally.
- π Cherry tomatoes are rich in antioxidants.
- π« Olives provide healthy fats.
- π§ Mozzarella offers protein and calcium.
- πΏ Basil promotes digestion.
- π« Olive oil supports heart health.
- π§ Balanced seasoning keeps the dish light.
- π₯ Roasting enhances natural sweetness without extra sugar.
- π₯ Itβs vegetarian yet balanced in nutrients.
πΏ Health Benefits of the Ingredients
- π Aubergines contain fibre for healthy digestion.
- π Tomatoes provide lycopene for skin health.
- π§ Garlic may reduce blood pressure.
- π« Olives support brain function.
- π§ Mozzarella strengthens bones.
- πΏ Basil reduces stress naturally.
- π« Olive oil improves cholesterol balance.
- π§ Herbs and spices reduce reliance on salt.
- π Roasting keeps vitamins intact.
- π₯ Together, they create a wholesome Mediterranean diet boost.
Cooking is not just about filling a plate β itβs about telling a story with flavours, aromas, and textures.β¨ This baked aubergine with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella is more than a recipe; itβs a reminder that simple food can be extraordinary.π Each ingredient has its role, and together they create harmony.π₯° Itβs a dish that can gather families around the table, inspiring smiles and conversations.πΏ The warmth of the oven transforms vegetables into something comforting and rich.π
β¨ Tender roasted aubergines, juicy garlic-basil cherry tomatoes, and melting mozzarella β a simple Mediterranean masterpiece! π
The creaminess of mozzarella meets the brightness of basil in a perfect union. Every bite takes you closer to the Mediterranean, no passport required.π Serve it with love, and it will always taste better. The beauty of cooking lies in these little rituals β roasting, layering, garnishing.πΈ And when you share it, you share more than food; you share care. This recipe is designed to be easy but rewarding. Itβs the type of meal that turns a simple evening into a special one.π So, light the oven, let the aroma fill your home, and savour this golden, cheesy masterpiece. You deserve a touch of sunshine on your table.π
