Melanzane (Aubergine) Bake

Method

Preheat the oven to 180°C.

Slice 2 medium aubergines into approx 1cm slices.

Heat plenty of olive oil in a frying pan and quickly brown aubergines.

Pat off any excess oil with kitchen paper then put to one side.

Finely chop 1 onion and 1 garlic clove and sauté until soft.

Throw in some chopped herbs, whatever is handy really – thyme is good and a bit of black pepper.

Add a jar of passata and simmer gently for a few minutes, meanwhile slice the mozzarella and parmesan.

In an ovenproof dish, place layers of aubergine, tomato sauce, mozzarella and parmesan and repeat with a final layer of tomato sauce on the top.

Bake in oven for 20-25 mins.