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Eggplant Pizzaiola: Italian Summer Delight

Eggplant Pizzaiola is a flavorful and melty summer side dish that combines the typical tastes and aromas of summer in one single plate. Eggplant, tomato, basil, and mozzarella come together for a truly special dish.
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Eggplant Pizzaiola: Italian Summer Delight
  • Difficulty Moderate
  • Prep 15 minutes
  • Cook 30 minutes
  • Servings 4 people

Eggplant Pizzaiola is a delightful summer recipe that captures the freshness and simplicity of Mediterranean cuisine. The Eggplant Pizzaiola Recipe is a traditional dish that deserves a spot among the most beloved and cooked summer recipes.

Unlike many other preparations, Pan-Fried Eggplant Pizzaiola doesn’t require the use of an oven, making it ideal for those who want to avoid turning on the oven during hot days. Cooking in a pan is not only convenient but also helps preserve the freshness and flavor of the ingredients. Tomato sauce (or ripe tomatoes if you have them), garlic, fresh basil, and mozzarella complete the dish, enhancing it with typical summer scents and tastes.

Eggplant Pizzaiola is not just a simple side dish but, paired with good rustic bread, it transforms into a perfect summer main course for those who love Mediterranean flavors and aromas. Its easy preparation, combined with the richness of flavors, makes it an excellent choice for family lunches or dinners, or for surprising guests with a dish that evokes the warmth and conviviality of outdoor dining.

Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. To prepare Eggplant Pizzaiola, start by washing the eggplants well, then slice them as evenly as possible, about 3-4 millimeters thick. Once ready, grill the eggplants on a griddle.

    Eggplant Pizzaiola Recipe Step1
    Eggplant Pizzaiola Step2
  2. While the eggplants are grilling, sauté a garlic clove in a pan with a drizzle of olive oil.

    Eggplant Pizzaiola Recipe Step3
    Eggplant Pizzaiola Recipe Step4
  3. Add the tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and some chopped basil leaves. Mix well and cook over medium-low heat for a few minutes.

    Eggplant Pizzaiola Recipe Step5
    Eggplant Pizzaiola Recipe Step6
  4. When you have grilled all the eggplant slices, add them to the sauce, ensuring they are all well covered by the tomato. Cover with a lid and cook for about ten minutes.

    Eggplant Pizzaiola Recipe Step7
    Eggplant Pizzaiola Recipe Step8
  5. Add the mozzarella and a generous handful of grated Grana Padano. Cover with a slightly vented lid and let it melt well.

    Eggplant Pizzaiola Recipe Step9
    Eggplant Pizzaiola Recipe Step10
  6. Finally, decorate with some fresh basil leaves, and the Eggplant Pizzaiola is ready to be served and enjoyed hot and stringy.

    Eggplant Alla Pizzaiola Recipe

Alternatives

If you want, you can replace the basil with a little oregano and, if you like, alternate the layers of eggplants with some mozzarella; a bit like you do with Grilled Eggplant Parmesan.

Tips

 

Storage

The Eggplants alla Pizzaiola can be stored in the refrigerator for 1 day