Ingredients:
– 2 large Santoronzo eggplants
– 3 ripe tomatoes, diced
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup of fresh basil, chopped
– 1/4 cup of olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut each eggplant in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving about a half-inch border around the edge. Dice the eggplant flesh into small pieces and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Add the diced tomatoes and diced eggplant to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and the liquid has reduced.
5. Season the vegetables with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped parsley and basil and remove from heat.
6. Fill each eggplant half with the vegetable mixture, pressing it down firmly. Place the eggplant halves in a baking dish.
7. Bake the stuffed eggplants for 20-25 minutes, until the eggplant shells are tender and the filling is heated through.
8. Serve the Santoronzo eggplant hot, garnished with additional chopped herbs if desired.
This recipe for Santoronzo eggplant is a perfect way to showcase the rich flavor and texture of this unique variety of eggplant. The combination of sweet tomatoes, pungent garlic, and fragrant herbs is a classic Mediterranean flavor profile that pairs well with the tender, juicy eggplant. This dish is a great choice for a vegetarian dinner or as a side dish for grilled meats or fish. It is also a wonderful way to incorporate more plant-based proteins into your diet while enjoying the rich flavors of the Mediterranean. Try making this Santoronzo eggplant recipe the next time you want to impress your family or guests with a delicious and easy-to-make dish that celebrates the bounty of the earth’s natural ingredients.