Pizza Parmigiana with a Twist

Ingredients

• 1 pizza crust (store-bought or homemade) 1 pizza crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
• 2 cups (200g) mozzarella cheese, shredded 2 cups (200g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 large eggplant, sliced into rounds 1 large eggplant, sliced into rounds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 5g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   Place the eggplant slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides with olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
3. 3.
   Roast the eggplant slices in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly golden.
4. 4.
   Roll out the pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
5. 5.
   Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
6. 6.
   Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
7. 7.
   Arrange the roasted eggplant slices on top of the cheese.
8. 8.
   Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. 9.
   Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
10. 10.
    Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Eggplant — Make sure to slice the eggplant into evenly thick rounds to ensure even cooking. Brushing the slices with olive oil before roasting helps to enhance their flavor and prevent them from drying out.

Tips & Tricks

• For a crispier crust, preheat your baking sheet or pizza stone before placing the rolled-out dough on it.
• Feel free to add your favorite toppings such as sliced bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms to customize the pizza to your taste.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the pizza before baking.
• To save time, you can use store-bought pizza dough and pre-made tomato sauce.
• Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Pizza Parmigiana hot, straight from the oven. Cut it into slices and serve as a main course or as part of a delicious Italian-themed meal. Pair it with a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the Pizza Parmigiana with fresh basil leaves just before serving. The vibrant green color of the basil adds a pop of freshness and visual appeal to the dish.