Aubergine Tomato Feta Baklava Recipes

AUBERGINE, TOMATO & FETA BAKLAVA

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-based pan over a low heat and sauté the onions until softened and sticky - this can take up to 30 mins.
• Meanwhile, heat a griddle pan until very hot. Brush a few of the aubergine slices with a little oil, sprinkle with sea salt and cook over a high heat until well charred and cooked through, 5-7 mins, turning halfway through cooking. Lift onto kitchen paper and cook the remaining slices.
• Add the garlic, cinnamon and tomato purée to the onions and cook for a further 2 mins. Add the tomatoes, sugar, dill, mint, vinegar and a generous pinch of sea salt. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10-15 mins until thickened. Adjust the seasoning to taste and allow to cool. Can be made up to 2 days ahead.
• Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Unfold the pastry and cover with a damp cloth to prevent it drying out. Brush a baking tray (about 30 x 20cm) with melted butter. Line the tray with a sheet of filo (cut to fit if too big), brush with butter and repeat until you have a 6-layer thickness. Spread half the tomato mixture over the pastry, top with half each of the dates, almonds and feta, and cover with half of the aubergine slices. Sandwich another 4 layers of filo together with melted butter and place on top of the aubergines. Top with the remaining tomato mixture, dates, feta and aubergines. Sandwich the remaining 4 filo sheets together as before and place on top.
• Lightly score the top, cutting into diamonds about 5 x 10cm. Brush with the remaining butter, splash with a little water and cook for 35-45 mins or until golden. Leave to cool a little before serving, then drizzle each portion with a little honey. Serve with houmous and a bowl of mixed green leaves, dressed with olive oil and lemon juice, with flat-leaf parsley leaves and chopped Kalamata olives.

EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) AND FETA CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 300°F; spray oil a casserole dish (I used a low oval one).
• Spray oil a large frying pan and heat over high heat. Place eggplant slices in a single layer (you may have to do 2 batches). Cook for 3-5 minutes each side until browned. Place in prepared casserole dish evenly across the bottom (some may overlap).
• Pour stewed tomatoes over eggplant in an even layer, then feta, parsley and cilantro (in that order).
• In a small bowl, combine eggs, onion, salt, pepper, allspice, oregano, sage and cayenne. Pour evenly over items in casserole dish.
• Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Remove cover and bake for another 10-20 minutes until firm.
• Serve hot or cold.

HERB-ROASTED EGGPLANT WITH TOMATOES AND FETA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450°F. Place eggplant and tomatoes on rimmed baking sheet; toss with oil and vinegar. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons oregano, salt, and pepper. Roast until eggplant is tender and golden brown, stirring occasionally, about 40 minutes. Transfer eggplant and tomatoes to platter. Sprinkle with feta and 2 teaspoons oregano and serve.