Melanzane alla Parmigiana is a classic dish of Southern Italian cuisine, a combination of eggplant, tomato, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. With Autori di Gusto’s Olive Oil, this recipe rises to a symphony of Mediterranean flavors.

Eggplant Parmigiana

Ingredients:

• Eggplant (3 medium-sized, thinly sliced)
• Peeled tomatoes (one 400g can)
• Mozzarella cheese (200g, cut into slices)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (100g)
• Garlic (2 cloves, chopped)
• Fresh basil (one handful)
• Salt and pepper to taste.
• Autori di Gusto extra virgin olive oil (3 tablespoons)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a skillet, heat Autori di Gusto Olive Oil and sauté garlic until golden brown.
3. Add peeled tomatoes and cook for about 20 minutes over medium heat. Mash them with a fork to make a thicker sauce. Adjust for salt and pepper.
4. In a separate pan, grill eggplant slices until soft.
5. In a baking dish, alternate layers of eggplant, tomato sauce, mozzarella slices and grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat until all ingredients are used up, ending with a layer of cheese.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the surface is golden and crisp.
7. Before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves.

These Melanzane alla Parmigiana, enhanced by Autori di Gusto’s Olive Oil, are a triumph of Southern flavors. A dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine, each layer tells the story of a rich and passionate culinary tradition.