Italian aubergine parmigiana

Method
Prep:30min  ›  Cook:1hr  ›  Extra time:1hr  ›  Ready in:2hr30min 

Prepare the aubergines

1. Place a few aubergine slices in a colander, making a single layer; sprinkle with coarse salt and cover with a second layer. Proceed the same way, ending with salt.
2. Place a weight on top (for instance, a dish filled with some heavy tomato tins or similar) to place pressure on the aubergines. Place the colander on a plate and let stand at room temperature for 1 hour.
3. Rinse aubergine slices under the tap, removing the salt. Pat dry on all sides.
4. Heat the oil in a deep frying pan. Dredge the aubergine slices in flour on both sides. Add a few slices to the hot oil, working in batches. Deep fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, till golden, then remove and drain on kitchen paper.

Make the tomato sauce

5. In a large saucepan on low heat cook garlic and onion in oil for a few minutes, without burning. Add the passata, salt and half of the basil. Cook on medium heat for 20 minutes, stirring often.
6. Remove sauce from heat. Discard the garlic, and stir in the remaining basil.

Assemble and bake

7. Preheat the oven to 180 C / Gas 4.
8. Spread a layer of tomato sauce over the bottom of a baking dish. Cover with a single layer of aubergine slices. Top with more sauce, mozzarella slices and grated Parmesan. Continue making layers, three to five in total, finishing with tomato sauce and then grated Parmesan for the last layer.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand for 20 minutes before serving. Even better if served the following day!

Top tip

Make sure the aubergines are dried well, otherwise they won't get crisp while frying and will instead soak up oil like a sponge.