Mama Zuquinis Melanzane Rustica (Eggplant Sicilian Style)

May 09, 2023May 9, 20230 3
Mama Zuquinis Melanzane Rustica (Eggplant Sicilian Style)
in Main

Prep

60 min

Cook

35 min

Ready In

95 min

Level

Difficult

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1 1/2 cups olive oil
3 tablespoons olive oil
8 small eggplants
1 large onion , thinly sliced
1 1/2 cups fresh tomato sauce ( Salsa di Pomodoro )
2 tablespoons raisins
red wine vinegar , as desired
10 fresh mint leaves , chopped
8 ounces caciocavallo cheese ( about 6 slices ) or 8 ounces soft pecorino cheese ( about 6 slices )

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
4
Calories
783
Sugar
17g
Fat
76g
Mama Zuquinis Melanzane Rustica, also known as Eggplant Sicilian Style, is a classic Italian dish with a unique twist. This recipe brings together the flavors of sweet and sour with a combination of tomato sauce, raisins, and red wine vinegar, creating a deliciously balanced taste that's perfect for any occasion. The eggplant is sliced and fried until golden brown, then layered with the tomato sauce, onion, mint, and cheese for a hearty, filling meal. This dish is perfect for vegetarians and meat lovers alike, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious flavors of Sicily!

Instructions

1.Slice eggplants into rounds, sprinkle with salt and let sit in a colander for 30 minutes to extract the bitter liquid. Rinse the salt off and pat dry with paper towels.
2.In a large frying pan, heat 1 1/2 cups olive oil over medium-high heat. Fry eggplant rounds in batches for 2-3 minutes, until golden brown. Remove the eggplant from pan and let drain on paper towels.
3.In a separate frying pan, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat, add sliced onion and cook for 10 minutes until softened.
4.Add tomato sauce, raisins, and vinegar; simmer for a further 10 minutes. Then remove the pan from heat.
5.In a baking dish, layer half of the eggplant. Next pour half of the tomato/onion mixture over the eggplant, then top with half of the chopped mint and half of the cheese slices.
6.Repeat step 5 once more, creating a second layer. Top with extra mint leaves.
7.Bake in the oven at 180C/350F for 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot.

PROS

Mama Zuquinis Melanzane Rustica is a flavorful eggplant dish, perfect for vegetarians and meat lovers alike.
The combination of tomato sauce, raisins, and red wine vinegar create a unique sweet and sour flavor that’s hard to resist.

CONS

This dish is high in calories and fat due to the olive oil and cheese.
It’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Eggplants contain high levels of antioxidants and have been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease. The tomato sauce is also a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium.

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