Charred Aubergine Parmigiana
This Charred Aubergine Parmigiana is a lighter, Mediterranean twist on the classic Italian dish. The aubergine is charred or roasted for smoky depth, layered with tomato sauce, fresh herbs, and mozzarella or feta, then baked to bubbly perfection. It’s vegetarian, full of fiber, and packed with flavor.
Prep: 15 minutes
Roast/char aubergine: 15–20 minutes
Bake: 20 minutes
Total: 50–55 minutes
Serves: 2–3
Ingredients
For Aubergine
2 medium aubergines (eggplants), sliced into 1 cm rounds
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt & black pepper
For Sauce
1 cup tomato passata or crushed tomatoes
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp dried oregano or Italian herbs
Salt & black pepper
1 tsp olive oil
For Layers
½ cup mozzarella or feta cheese, crumbled/sliced
Fresh basil leaves
Optional: 1–2 tbsp grated Parmesan
Instructions
Char or Roast Aubergine
Preheat oven to 220°C (430°F)
Brush aubergine slices lightly with olive oil, season with salt & pepper
Roast or grill 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until soft and slightly charred
Prepare Tomato Sauce
Heat olive oil in a small pan, sauté garlic 1–2 minutes
Add tomatoes, oregano, salt & pepper
Simmer 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened
Assemble Parmigiana
In a baking dish, layer:
Half the aubergine slices
Half the tomato sauce
Half the mozzarella/feta
Repeat layers
Top with fresh basil leaves and optional Parmesan
Bake
Bake at 200°C (390°F) for 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and golden
Serve
Let rest 5 minutes before serving
Drizzle with a touch of olive oil if desired
Tips
Use feta for Mediterranean flair or mozzarella for classic Italian
Salt aubergine slices and rest 10 minutes before roasting to remove excess bitterness
Can serve with whole-grain pasta, quinoa, or fresh salad for a full meal
Add roasted zucchini or bell peppers for extra layers
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it vegan?
Yes — replace cheese with vegan mozzarella or cashew cream.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes — assemble and refrigerate; bake 20–25 minutes when ready to serve.
Is it weight-loss friendly?
Yes — minimal oil, lots of vegetables, protein from cheese
Can I use stovetop instead of oven?
Yes — grill aubergine slices on pan, then assemble and cover with lid to melt cheese for 5–7 minutes
Nutritional Information
Calories: 280 kcal
Protein: 12 g
Carbs: 18 g
Fat: 18 g
Fiber: 6 g