Aubergines au gratin

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Aubergines

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the aubergines into ½-inch thick rounds. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Roast the aubergines in the oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are tender and slightly golden. This step helps to soften the aubergines and bring out their natural sweetness.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. While the aubergines are roasting, heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add the heavy cream and dried thyme to the saucepan, stirring to combine. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
3. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, and remove from heat once it has reached a creamy consistency.

Step 3: Prepare the Tomato Sauce (Optional)

If you’re opting to add a tomato base to the gratin (which adds another layer of flavor), follow these steps:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
2. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, and fresh basil. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Gratin

1. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce (if using) on the bottom.
2. Layer the roasted aubergine slices on top, overlapping them slightly.
3. Pour the creamy sauce over the aubergines, ensuring they are well covered.
4. Sprinkle the top with the grated cheese and breadcrumbs for a golden, crispy topping.

Step 5: Bake the Gratin

1. Bake the gratin in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
2. Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together perfectly.

Step 6: Serve & Garnish

1. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.
2. Serve the Aubergines au Gratin hot as a side dish or main course. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad.

Tips for the Perfect Aubergines au Gratin

🍆 Use Firm Aubergines – Choose aubergines that are firm to the touch with smooth skin to ensure they cook evenly and don’t become mushy.
🧀 Cheese Choices – Gruyère adds a nutty flavor, but you can also use a sharp cheddar or a mix of cheeses for different textures and tastes.
🍅 Add Layers of Flavor – If you like your gratin with a bit of acidity, the optional tomato sauce brings a lovely balance to the richness of the cream and cheese.
🥄 Make Ahead – You can prepare this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to eat, just bake it until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Final Thoughts

Aubergines au Gratin is the kind of dish that brings comfort, elegance, and bold flavor together in a single bite. It’s creamy, cheesy, and rich in flavor, making it the perfect way to showcase aubergines in an unforgettable way. Whether you serve it as a hearty side dish or a vegetarian main course, this recipe is sure to impress anyone at your dinner table.

Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next meal—this Aubergines au Gratin is a classic that will never go out of style. Enjoy!

What’s your favorite way to cook aubergines? Let’s chat about delicious ways to use this versatile vegetable! 🍆🧀