Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 large eggplant, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 Ftira bread (or any flatbread of your choice)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Place the eggplant slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the eggplant slices and season with salt and pepper.
4. Roast the eggplant in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until tender and lightly browned.
5. Remove the eggplant from the oven and set aside.
6. Place the Ftira bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Spread the tomato sauce over the Ftira bread.
8. Arrange the roasted eggplant slices on top of the tomato sauce.
9. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the eggplant.
10. Bake the Ftira in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Remove the Ftira from the oven and sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the top.
12. Cut the Ftira into slices and serve hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 2-4 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories: 400
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 12g
Sodium: 600mg
Sugar: 5g
Fiber: 7g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of flatbread instead of Ftira bread.
- You can use any type of cheese instead of mozzarella cheese.
- You can use any type of herb instead of basil.
Variations:
- You can add sliced tomatoes or bell peppers to the Ftira.
- You can add sliced olives or capers to the Ftira.
- You can use different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to slice the eggplant evenly so that it cooks evenly.
- You can sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the Ftira for a spicy kick.
- You can use leftover roasted vegetables instead of eggplant.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftover Ftira in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the Ftira, place it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the Ftira on a large platter and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Garnishes:
Fresh basil leaves
Pairings:
This Ftira pairs well with a side salad or a bowl of soup.
Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed greens salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Tomato soup with croutons
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the eggplant is not cooked through, you can return it to the oven for a few more minutes.
- If the cheese is not melted, you can broil the Ftira for a few minutes.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash the eggplant before slicing it.
Food history:
Ftira is a traditional Maltese bread that is similar to Italian focaccia.
Flavor profiles:
This Ftira has a savory and slightly sweet flavor from the roasted eggplant and tomato sauce, and a creamy and salty flavor from the melted mozzarella cheese.
Serving suggestions:
Serve this Ftira as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
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Region: Maltese