Layered Bringal with Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella

Here’s some good news for weight watchers! Eggplant, also known as Brinjal, is a very low calorie vegetable and has healthy nutrition profile. 100 g provides just 24 calories but contributes about 9% of RDA of fiber. It is also good source of minerals like manganese, copper, iron and potassium.

Of cause the creamy mozzarella will add some sinful decadence, but hey, a healthy balance is extremely important in life!

The whole meal will cost you around R75 and when you add a bottle of wine it’s still less that R150.

Ingredients

6 brinjals, sliced lengthways about 6mm thick
olive oil
30 g butter
salt, to taste
500 g tomato sauce (made with peeled tomatoes, onion, carrot, celery, basil and olive oil)
50 g grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
a handful of basil leaves, chopped
250 g mozzarella

The how to

Preheat the oven to 180°C.

Place the brinjal on a baking tray and brush with olive oil. Place in the oven until soft. Butter a baking dish and layer the bottom with the brinjals. Season with salt and cover with the tomato, Parmigiano Reggiano, chopped basil and mozzarella. Repeat for at least 3 layers.

Cover the last layer of brinjal with only tomato sauce then place a few rounds of mozzarella slices on top.

Bake in a 180°C oven for 20 minutes. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.