Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Sicilian Aubergine Bake
A rich and creamy aubergine bake that captures the true flavours of Sicily—perfect for bringing a hearty, comforting dish to your table.
📖 What is it
A rich and creamy aubergine bake that captures the true flavours of Sicily—perfect for bringing a hearty, comforting dish to your table.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 6 medium aubergines
- ✓ 1 large onion
- ✓ 1 clove garlic
- ✓ 1.5 litres tomato sauce
- ✓ a bunch of fresh basil
- ✓ 1 kg potatoes
- ✓ 800 g mozzarella
- ✓ butter
- ✓ 250 g semi-mature Sicilian caciocavallo cheese
- ✓ Trapani sea salt
- ✓ freshly ground black pepper
- ✓ 2 teaspoons sugar
- ✓ extra virgin Sicilian olive oil
📊 Nutritional Information
A staple of Sicilian cuisine, this aubergine bake marries simple, wholesome ingredients into one satisfying dish bursting with flavour. The beloved aubergine takes centre stage alongside tender potatoes, a fragrant tomato sauce, and traditional cheeses that highlight the natural sweetness—offering a slow-cooked, indulgent taste of Sicily.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Drain the mozzarella well. Give the aubergines a good wash (leave the skin on) and slice into rounds about 1 cm thick. Warm a splash of Sicilian extra virgin olive oil in a frying pan and gently fry the aubergine slices until golden, taking care not to overcook them. Transfer to kitchen paper and sprinkle lightly with salt.
- 2
Peel the potatoes and cut them into slices around half a centimetre thick. Soak in cold water for ten minutes to remove excess starch, then blanch in salted boiling water until almost tender, around seven minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.
- 3
In a pan, sauté the finely sliced onion and crushed garlic in a little extra virgin olive oil with a pinch of salt. If the mixture starts to stick, add a few tablespoons of water to stop it from burning. Once golden, remove the garlic, pour in the tomato sauce, add the sugar, season with salt and black pepper, then stir in the torn basil leaves. Let the sauce simmer gently until thickened and fragrant.
- 4
Butter a baking dish with a knob of butter. Begin layering the aubergines, followed by potatoes, then scatter cubes of mozzarella and sprinkle with grated caciocavallo. Spoon over some tomato sauce and repeat the layers until all the ingredients have been used, finishing with mozzarella, sauce, and a generous grating of cheese on top.
- 5
Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for about 50 minutes until the top is golden and the cheese melted. Serve piping hot, garnished with a few fresh basil leaves.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For an elegant twist, try using a high-quality fiordilatte or, to add authentic Sicilian character, swap the mozzarella for Ragusano PDO. To boost the aroma, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the top just before serving.
- •
If avoiding gluten, choose a suitable variety of potato and double-check all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- •
For a deeper flavour, a teaspoon of Pantelleria capers stirred into the sauce will give your bake an extra punch.
📦 Storage
To savour the full depth of flavour, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To keep the dish tasting fresh and retaining its texture, reheat gently in the oven at 180°C until warmed through and fragrant once more.
🍷 Pairing
- •
Pair this dish with the distinct Sicilian charm of a Cerasuolo di Vittoria—a wine that perfectly balances elegance and freshness, standing up to the bold aubergines and rich cheeses.
- •
An Etna Rosso is another brilliant option, with its striking volcanic personality and complex character.
- •
For those keen to explore further afield, a warm and full-bodied Primitivo di Manduria from Italy’s heel will beautifully complement the bake’s rustic flavours.
This Sicilian aubergine bake is a fantastic way to bring a little Mediterranean sunshine into your home. With its layers of comforting flavours and inviting aromas, it’s sure to become a favourite for family dinners or weekend gatherings. I hope you give this recipe a go—don’t forget to share it with your loved ones and enjoy every delicious bite together!
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