Picture the aroma of fresh oregano mingling with the tangy scent of tomatoes and savory feta cheese, all wrapped around tender, golden-brown aubergines.
This Aubergine Feta Bake isn’t only easy to make but also a comforting Mediterranean delight perfect for any occasion.
As the ingredients bake together, they transform into a bubbly, golden masterpiece.
Let’s bring this delightful dish to life in your kitchen.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Skillet
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Oven
Ingredients
- 2 medium Aubergines sliced
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 200 grams Feta cheese crumbled
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Fresh oregano chopped
- 1 can (400 grams) Tomatoes crushed
- 1 tablespoon Balsamic vinegar
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the Aubergine Feta Bake, follow this timeline:
- Reading and Preparation (5 minutes)
- Read through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and ingredients.
- Gather all necessary equipment: baking dish, skillet, knife, cutting board, and oven.
- Gather all ingredients: aubergines, olive oil, salt, black pepper, feta cheese, garlic, fresh oregano, crushed tomatoes, and balsamic vinegar.
- Preparation (20 minutes)
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Slice the aubergines.
- Mince the garlic.
- Chop the fresh oregano.
- Cooking (40 minutes)
- First 10 minutes: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced aubergines and cook until golden brown on both sides. Remove and place in a baking dish.
- Next 10 minutes: In the same skillet, add garlic and cook until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Next 5 minutes: Pour the tomato mixture over the aubergines in the baking dish. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped oregano evenly over the top.
- Next 30 minutes: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Resting and Serving (5 minutes)
- Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Additional Tips:
- Consider adding other Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers during the preparation phase.
- If you prefer a tangier taste, add a little more balsamic vinegar before baking.
Feel free to adjust the timeline as needed to suit your pace and kitchen setup.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add sliced aubergines to the skillet and cook until they’re golden brown on both sides.
Remove aubergines from the skillet and place them in a baking dish.
In the same skillet, add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add crushed tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to the skillet and simmer for 10 minutes.
Pour the tomato mixture over the aubergines in the baking dish.
Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped oregano evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread to soak up the delicious tomato and feta sauce.
- Quinoa Salad: Pair with a fresh quinoa salad for a nutritious and balanced meal.
- Rice Pilaf: Accompany with rice pilaf to add a hearty element to the dish.
- Grilled Chicken: Serve alongside grilled chicken for added protein.
- Mixed Greens: Complement with a side of mixed greens drizzled with olive oil and lemon for a revitalizing contrast.
Storage
Store the Aubergine Feta Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat thoroughly before serving.
For longer storage, freeze portions and thaw before reheating.
Freezing
To freeze Aubergine Feta Bake, allow it to cool completely.
Then, transfer it to an airtight container.
Label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat Aubergine Feta Bake, use an oven preheated to 180°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
Final Thoughts
The Aubergine Feta Bake is a delightful Mediterranean dish that combines the rich flavors of aubergines, feta cheese, and a tangy tomato sauce.
This dish isn’t only easy to prepare but also offers a healthy option for a main course.
To guarantee the best results, select firm and shiny aubergines without blemishes.
Feel free to experiment by adding other Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to enhance the flavor.
If you prefer a more tangy taste, consider adding a little extra balsamic vinegar before baking.
This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner and will surely impress your family and friends.
Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying meal as part of your culinary repertoire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Aubergine Skin Be Eaten in This Dish?
Yes, you can eat the aubergine skin. It adds a slightly chewy texture. Make certain you wash and slice them evenly. Pair with feta’s creaminess for a balanced taste, and guarantee they’re golden before baking.
What Wine Pairs Well With Aubergine Feta Bake?
Pair a crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc with your bake. Its vibrant acidity cuts through the richness of the feta while complementing the Mediterranean flavors. Alternatively, try a light Pinot Noir for a harmonious balance with the aubergine.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Swap feta with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a creamy taste. Make certain your balsamic vinegar is vegan-friendly. Cook aubergines until golden for depth. Add more garlic and oregano to enhance flavor. Serve with vegan garlic bread.
What Are Some Suitable Side Dishes?
Pair your dish with a fresh Greek salad for a crisp contrast. Roast some garlic potatoes for a hearty side. You can also try couscous with lemon and herbs, enhancing the Mediterranean flavors and complementing your main dish.
Can I Use a Different Cheese Instead of Feta?
Yes, you can substitute feta with goat cheese for a creamier texture or parmesan for a sharper flavor. Ascertain the cheese complements the Mediterranean theme. Crumble or grate the cheese before sprinkling it over the dish.
Aubergine Feta Bake
Equipment
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Skillet
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Oven
Ingredients
- 2 medium aubergines sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 200 grams feta cheese crumbled
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano chopped
- 1 can tomatoes crushed
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced aubergines to the skillet and cook until they are golden brown on both sides.
- Remove aubergines from the skillet and place them in a baking dish.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to the skillet and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Pour the tomato mixture over the aubergines in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped oregano evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
