Monday, July 26, 2010
Eggplant Pizza
In one of my earlier posts, I had claimed to 'love' eggplants. In retrospect, I now think that that statement was a huge exaggeration.
The truth is that I don't love eggplant per se. I love it only and only when it is cooked in a few ways - eggplant raita and baingan ka bharta - are amongst my favourite ways of having them eggplants. Any other way and I have small moment of hesitation before taking the first bite.
A few months ago, we were served this rather unusual 'eggplant pizza' at a party. Just one bite and I was completely bowled over by the taste. Soon, I was making it very often at home. And why wouldn't I? After all, it makes for an excellent appetizer or a light evening snack - tasty, nutritious and very, very easy to make!
Tomatoes - 2 large
Garlic - 1 large clove
Onion - 1 small
Seasonings : Chilli flakes, basil leaves, salt, sugar - to taste
Oil
While the oven pre-heats, prepare the tomato sauce. Blanch the tomatoes and peel the skin. Cut into half, scoop out the seeds and chop it up. Heat oil, saute the garlic and onions for a couple of minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook till soft. Let it cool and then puree in the mixie.
Return to the pan, add the seasonings and simmer till the sauce thickens.
Now tell me, isn't this an excellent way to have eggplants? Or for that matter, pizza?
The truth is that I don't love eggplant per se. I love it only and only when it is cooked in a few ways - eggplant raita and baingan ka bharta - are amongst my favourite ways of having them eggplants. Any other way and I have small moment of hesitation before taking the first bite.
A few months ago, we were served this rather unusual 'eggplant pizza' at a party. Just one bite and I was completely bowled over by the taste. Soon, I was making it very often at home. And why wouldn't I? After all, it makes for an excellent appetizer or a light evening snack - tasty, nutritious and very, very easy to make!
Ingredients:
Eggplant - 1, large
Olive oil - 1 tbsp
Seasonings - salt, pepper and dried garlic flakes
Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
Bell pepper - 1/2, chopped
Grated cheddar cheese - 3-4 tbsps
for the sauce:
Tomatoes - 2 large
Garlic - 1 large clove
Onion - 1 small
Seasonings : Chilli flakes, basil leaves, salt, sugar - to taste
Oil
Method:
Pre-heat the oven to 180 deg C for about 15 minutes.
While the oven pre-heats, prepare the tomato sauce. Blanch the tomatoes and peel the skin. Cut into half, scoop out the seeds and chop it up. Heat oil, saute the garlic and onions for a couple of minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook till soft. Let it cool and then puree in the mixie.
Return to the pan, add the seasonings and simmer till the sauce thickens.
Cut the eggplant into 1/2" thick circles. Whisk together the oil, dried garlic flakes, salt and pepper. Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with this mixture.
Grill the eggplant for about 5-7 minutes or until you get grill marks.
Turn the slices and spread the tomato sauce on the grilled side. Top with the chopped vegetables and the grated cheese. Return the slices back to the oven and grill for a further 7-8 minutes or till the cheese starts to melt and turn brown.
Now tell me, isn't this an excellent way to have eggplants? Or for that matter, pizza?
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Interesting pizza
ReplyDeleteI am with you on eggplants. Though it is my favorite vegetable, I cannot eat them in all dishes. This flour less pizza looks inviting and it is a must have in any diet plan...
ReplyDeleteYummy amd delicious pizza
ReplyDeleteVery tempting and beautiful eggplant pizza..
ReplyDeletedelicious n yummy way of using eggplant ,though am also not big fan of eggplant but ur pizza looks really inviting ...love to try it soon
ReplyDeleteI saw it somewhere and was debating about the goodness. Your words and the pics have confirmed that they would be indeed gorgeous
ReplyDeleteawesome ..lovely pics and mouthwatering dish....looks tempting and yum..very innovative
ReplyDeleteWow, what a great idea !!! I am definitely going to try it out.
ReplyDeleteOMG !!.. .sounds interesting.. looks gr8 dear.. yummyyyyy
ReplyDeleteOMG...this is psychic,...ive made this today...with almost the same toppings ...thankfully wth a pesto sauce...Shd post it soon!!!'
ReplyDeleteShobha
This is quite unique and interesting to try.
ReplyDeletewow are those eggplant base ???
ReplyDeleteInnovative ... would love to try !
First, your pics have been totally cool of late, or should I say cooler. I am like you, love baingan in bhartha and that's about it. Infact, have clicks of my bhartha somewhere, got to find them and then write down the recipe. Meanwhile, will drool on those pizzas, eggplant and everything. :)
ReplyDeleteBoth are my favorite,sure I should try this!! Thanks a ton for sharing such an unique recipe Aqua!
ReplyDeleteThis is new to me. Definitely goes into my to-do list!
ReplyDeleteOoooooooooh this looks gorgeous! And alot less guilty than a dough pizza! :)
ReplyDeleteI've never cooked with eggplant before, so I am going to give this recipe a try. It just looks so delicious.
ReplyDelete