Turkish Eggplant Filo Pastry Bake: A Delicious and Flavorful Recipe

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Turkish Eggplant Filo Pastry Bake

Introduction

This recipe, taught by a Turkish cook, transforms eggplants into a delicious and savory dish with the perfect blend of flavors. The layers of eggplant, tomato sauce, and cheese nestled between crispy filo pastry sheets make for a delightful meal. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a dish that will impress everyone at your table.

Ingredients

  • 12 sheets filo pastry
  • 2 eggplants
  • 1 onion
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 3 tomatoes
  • Parmesan or other cheese, to taste
  • Olive oil, to taste
  • Milk, to taste
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Paprika, to taste
  • Parsley, to taste

Number of Servings

This recipe serves 4-6 people.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional information per serving (assuming 6 servings) is as follows:

  • Calories: 250
  • Total Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Total Carbohydrate: 20g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 7g

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Eggplants

  1. Slice the Eggplants
    • Slice the eggplants horizontally into 1 cm thick slices. Sprinkle them with salt and let them sit for 15 minutes to purge any bitterness. Afterward, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Step 2: Sautéing the Aromatics

  1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic
    • Thinly slice the onion and finely chop the garlic. In a pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, sautéing until they turn golden brown and fragrant.

Step 3: Creating the Tomato Sauce

  1. Prepare the Tomato Sauce
    • Slice the tomatoes and add them to the pan with the sautéed onions and garlic. Season with salt, pepper, and a hint of paprika. Let the ingredients simmer together until the tomatoes break down and release their juices. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for added freshness.

Step 4: Building the Layers

  1. Layer the Filo Pastry and Ingredients
    • Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Grease a baking tray with olive oil. Layer the filo pastry sheets on the tray, brushing each layer with a mixture of olive oil and milk for added crispiness.
    • Alternate layers of eggplant slices and tomato sauce, sprinkling grated cheese between each layer.

Step 5: Baking to Perfection

  1. Bake the Dish
    • Once all the layers are assembled, brush the top layer of filo pastry with oil and milk, then seal the edges to lock in the flavors.
    • Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serving

  1. Serve the Dish
    • Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This dish pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or a side of steamed vegetables.

Conclusion

This Turkish-inspired Eggplant Filo Pastry Bake is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The tender eggplant, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheese encased in crispy filo pastry create a dish that is both satisfying and delicious. Enjoy this savory recipe with your family and friends for a memorable meal.

Enjoy your delicious Turkish eggplant bake and the wonderful flavors it brings to your table!