Aubergine with ricotta, Parmesan and orange pepper recipe
- 4 tbsp plus 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 large aubergine
- 0.5 medium red onion, peeled and cut into 5mm slices
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely sliced
- 1 orange pepper, quartered, deseeded and cut across into 1cm slices
- 3 tbsp currants
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 heaped tsp tiny salted or brined capers, rinsed
- 0.5 x 400g tin chopped tomatoes
- 8 tbsp grated Parmesan
- 125 g (4.4oz) ricotta
- 4 tbsp sliced basil
- 1 pinch salt, freshly ground black pepper and sugar
- Preheat your oven to 220C/Gas 7, position upper middle shelf.
- Start with the dressing.
- Get a small bowl.
- Add 2 tbsp of the extra virgin olive oil and 1 tbsp of the wine vinegar.
- Mix them together with a fork.
- Season to taste with salt and sugar.
- Next, prepare the aubergine.
- Cut it in half lengthways.
- Score the flesh side in a criss-cross pattern.
- Peel or slice a 10cm long, 3cm wide strip of skin off the bottom of each half.
- Get a small baking tray.
- Line it with greaseproof or non-stick baking paper.
- Put the aubergine halves on the baking tray.
- Brush the top and bottom of the aubergine vigorously with half the dressing.
- Make sure the aubergine is criss-cross side up.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes until the flesh is soft.
- While the aubergine is still hot, brush the remaining dressing over the top.
- While the aubergine roasts, prepare the pepper mixture.
- Get a medium sized frying pan.
- Add the red onion, garlic, orange pepper, currants, 2 tbsp of the extra virgin olive oil, the remaining 1 tbsp of wine vinegar, the 2 tbsp of water, a pinch of salt and a pinch of sugar.
- Cover the pan and put it on a medium heat.
- Sweat for 10 minutes or until soft, checking a few times; if the mixture looks a bit dry, add 1-2 tsp of water.
- Add the capers and tomatoes.
- Turn up the heat.
- Bring to the boil.
- Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Season to taste.
- Get a medium bowl.
- Add the Parmesan, ricotta and 2 tbsp of the basil.
- Mix together.
- Season to taste.
- When you are ready to serve, spread this mixture over the cooked aubergine halves.
- Trickle 1 tsp of extra virgin olive oil over each aubergine half.
- Roast for 3 minutes.
- Use a fish slice to lift the aubergines onto your plates.
- Add the remaining basil to the orange pepper mixture.
- Spoon it over the aubergines.
olive oil, red wine vinegar, aubergine, red onion, garlic, orange pepper, currants, water, capers, tomatoes, parmesan, ricotta, basil, salt
Taken from www.lovefood.com/guide/recipes/18028/aubergine-with-ricotta-parmesan-and-orange-pepper-recipe (may not work)