Roasted Herb Eggplant & Salmon Caprese Bake
Ingredients:
1 medium eggplant
Salt, to taste
A mix of Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, rosemary, basil)
Olive oil
150g fresh salmon fillet
2 cloves of garlic, finely minced
1 ripe tomato, sliced
150g mozzarella cheese, sliced
Fresh basil leaves
Fresh mint leaves
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Prepare the Eggplant:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Take the eggplant and cut it into cubes, ensuring you don’t cut through the skin at the bottom, allowing the eggplant to remain intact while creating spaces for the seasonings to permeate.
Drizzle olive oil over the eggplant, ensuring it seeps into the cuts. Sprinkle generously with salt and a mixture of Italian herbs.
Place the eggplant on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the flesh is soft and tender.
Season the Salmon:
While the eggplant is roasting, prepare the salmon by sprinkling it with salt, pepper, and some Italian herbs. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and rub in the minced garlic, coating the fillet evenly.
Assemble the Dish:
Once the eggplant is roasted, remove it from the oven and reduce the temperature to 180°C (350°F).
On top of the eggplant, place the seasoned salmon fillet. Arrange slices of tomato and mozzarella cheese around and on top of the salmon. Add fresh basil and mint leaves for a burst of freshness. Sprinkle a little more Italian herbs over the top.
Final Bake:
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or just until the salmon is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Before serving, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and a few extra leaves of basil and mint.
Serve:
Serve this dish hot, directly from the oven. It pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or a light salad, making for a deliciously balanced meal.
Chef’s Note:
This recipe combines the heartiness of roasted eggplant with the elegance of a salmon caprese, creating a meal that is both easy to prepare and filled with complex flavors. The combination of fresh herbs, garlic, and cheese brings out the natural flavors of the salmon and eggplant, making it a dish that’s sure to impress.
Enjoy this delightful dish, knowing you’ve created a healthy, tasty, and visually appealing meal with just a few simple ingredients. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a special occasion.
