Baked Eggplant and Spinach Casserole with Ricotta and Mozzarella

This Baked Eggplant and Spinach Casserole with Ricotta and Mozzarella is a delicious, comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of roasted eggplant, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella. With a layer of fresh spinach, tomatoes, and Italian spices, this casserole is perfect as a main course or a hearty side dish. It’s a healthy, vegetarian option that’s packed with flavor and nutrients, making it an ideal meal for any occasion.

Preparation, Cooking, and Total Times:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50 minutes (including baking)
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Cuisine: Italian, Vegetarian

Ingredients:

For the Eggplant and Filling:

• 2 eggplants, cut into thin slices
• 1 tablespoon salt (for soaking eggplant)
• Vegetable oil (for brushing and drizzling)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Italian herbs, to taste
• 140g (5 oz) spinach, sliced
• 4 tablespoons ricotta
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Spices, as per preference (e.g., oregano, basil, thyme)
• 200g (7 oz) mozzarella, sliced
• 2 tomatoes, sliced
• Neapolitan sauce (or tomato sauce)

For Topping:

• 30g parmesan, grated

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions:

1. Prepare the Eggplant:

• Slice the eggplants into thin rounds.
• Place the eggplant slices in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of salt and enough water to cover the slices. Let them soak for about 10 minutes. This step helps reduce any bitterness from the eggplant.

2. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet:

• Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
• Brush a baking sheet with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
• After soaking, drain and pat the eggplant slices dry with a paper towel.

3. Roast the Eggplant:

• Spread the eggplant slices evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
• Season with salt, pepper, and a generous sprinkle of Italian herbs. Drizzle with vegetable oil.
• Roast the eggplant in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes, or until tender and slightly golden. Set aside.

4. Prepare the Spinach Filling:

• Slice the spinach into smaller strips.
• In a bowl, combine the spinach with 4 tablespoons of ricotta and 1 minced garlic clove. Add your favorite spices (such as oregano, basil, or thyme).
• Mix the ingredients well and set aside.

5. Assemble the Casserole:

• In a baking dish, layer the ingredients as follows:
  1. Place a layer of eggplant slices at the bottom of the dish.
  2. Top with a layer of spinach filling and then add sliced tomatoes.
  3. Add a layer of mozzarella slices over the tomatoes, followed by another layer of eggplant.
  4. Drizzle with Neapolitan sauce (or tomato sauce) over the layers.

6. Repeat the Layers:

• Repeat the layering process, starting with eggplant slices, then spinach filling, tomatoes, and mozzarella.
• Finish with a final layer of eggplant on top. Brush with Neapolitan sauce and a bit more vegetable oil.

7. Add Parmesan Topping:

• Grate 30g of parmesan and sprinkle it evenly over the top of the casserole to give it a crispy, cheesy crust.

8. Bake the Casserole:

• Bake the casserole in the preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

9. Cool and Serve:

• Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before cutting it into slices.
• Serve warm and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions:

1. As a Main Dish:
   This casserole makes a perfect main course for a light lunch or dinner. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

2. With Pasta:
   Serve alongside spaghetti, penne, or your favorite type of pasta for an even more filling meal.

3. As a Side Dish:
   This casserole can also be served as a delicious side dish to accompany grilled meats, fish, or tofu.

4. With a Glass of Wine:
   Pair this dish with a glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, for a lovely Mediterranean meal.

Health Benefits:

1. Low in Calories:
   Eggplant is low in calories, making this casserole a great option for those looking for a healthy and satisfying meal without the excess calories.

2. Rich in Antioxidants:
   Eggplants are rich in antioxidants, which help fight oxidative stress and support overall health. The spinach and tomatoes also add a boost of vitamins and minerals.

3. High in Fiber:
   The combination of eggplant, spinach, and tomatoes provides a good amount of fiber, which supports digestive health and helps maintain a healthy weight.

4. Good Source of Calcium:
   The ricotta and mozzarella provide a good source of calcium, essential for strong bones and teeth.

Cooking Tips:

1. Reduce Eggplant Moisture:
   Soaking the eggplant in saltwater helps to reduce its moisture, making it more flavorful and preventing it from becoming too soggy when baked.

2. Use Fresh Mozzarella:
   For the best results, use fresh mozzarella instead of pre-shredded mozzarella. It melts beautifully and adds a creamier texture.

3. Customize the Filling:
   Feel free to add other vegetables to the filling, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or peppers, for added texture and flavor.

4. Layer for Even Cooking:
   Make sure to layer the ingredients evenly for consistent cooking. Press down gently on the layers to ensure they bake uniformly.

5. Check for Doneness:
   The casserole is done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. If needed, bake for an additional 5 minutes for more browning.

Variations to Try:

1. Vegan Version:
   For a vegan version, swap the ricotta and mozzarella for vegan cheese and use plant-based yogurt if needed in the filling.

2. Add More Herbs:
   Experiment with adding more fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, or thyme to enhance the flavor of the casserole.

3. Meat Lover’s Version:
   Add cooked ground turkey, beef, or sausage to the layers for a meatier version of this casserole.

4. Spicy Version:
   Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.

Conclusion:

This Baked Eggplant and Spinach Casserole with Ricotta and Mozzarella is a perfect combination of healthy vegetables, creamy cheese, and Italian spices. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and can be served in many ways. Whether as a main dish or a side, this casserole is sure to be a hit at any meal. Enjoy the comforting flavors and the satisfying textures of this Mediterranean-inspired dish!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use a different cheese?
   Yes, you can use parmesan, goat cheese, or any cheese you prefer in place of the ricotta or mozzarella.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when ready to serve.

3. Can I freeze this casserole?
   Yes, this casserole freezes well. Freeze it after assembling (before baking), and bake it when ready to eat.

4. Can I use other vegetables in this casserole?
   Yes, you can add other vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.

5. Can I bake this in a different dish?
   Yes, you can bake the casserole in any oven-safe dish, just make sure the layers are evenly distributed for uniform cooking.

6. Can I use regular tomato sauce instead of Neapolitan sauce?
   Yes, you can use any tomato sauce you prefer, but Neapolitan sauce adds a richer, more complex flavor.

7. How long can I store leftovers?
   Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

8. Can I add meat to this casserole?
   Yes, you can add cooked ground chicken, beef, or turkey to the layers for extra protein.

9. What can I serve this casserole with?
   This casserole pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

10. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
    Yes, this recipe is already gluten-free if you use gluten-free flour and ensure the other ingredients are gluten-free.