Recipes

Eggplant with Kasseri and Kefalotyri Cheese

  • Serves

    serves 4

ANTOINE BOOTZ

In Athens, ouzeris, or ouzo bars, feature small tapas-style appetizers like this one along with plenty of the anise-flavored liqueur.

Ingredients

  • 2 eggplants (about 3 lbs. total)
  • Coarse salt
  • Olive oil (preferably a fruity Greek extra-virgin olive oil)
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
  • 3 lb. fresh tomatoes (or 1 28-oz. can drained plum tomatoes), coarsely chopped
  • 1 tsp. ground cardamom
  • 1 tsp. sugar
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 14 cup grated fresh kasseri or kefalotyri cheese, or a combination of both

Instructions

Step 1

Peel eggplants and slice each one into 1⁄2"-thick rounds, then sprinkle with coarse salt. Place in a colander and let drain, weighted, for 1⁄2 hour. Pat dry.

Step 2

Brush eggplant rounds on both sides with olive oil. Brown in a large heavy skillet over high heat, adding more oil if necessary. Drain on paper towels.

Step 3

In the same pan, heat 2 tbsp. olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, and cook 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, cardamom, sugar, and pepper to taste, and cook 5 minutes more.

Step 4

Layer fried eggplant rounds and tomato sauce in four small baking dishes, and top each with an equal amount of cheese. Bake at 350° until cheese has melted, about 20 minutes.

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