I conclude the summer season with a recipe that I’ve repeatedly brought to the table over the years for its practicality and speed! Yet, incredibly, this delightful dish had not yet been included here on my blog! An unforgivable oversight given the appreciation I receive every time! I make amends now by finally sharing the recipe for these oven-baked eggplant boats with pizza flavor. This is a delicious and light option, perfect for those who wish to enjoy something that recalls the traditional flavors of pizza but is much lighter! In this recipe, the eggplants are cut into a boat shape and topped with some tomato sauce and melting cheese. If you like, you can also add some black olives or strips of cooked ham to this base. Thanks to this combination of Mediterranean flavors, the boats become a versatile dish that suits every occasion. You can serve them for an informal lunch, a light and tasty dinner, or as finger food. Prepare them yourself and you’ll see they will become your summer joker dish!
If you love this vegetable as much as I do, try these other vegetarian-style recipes, rich in flavors, healthy, and light:
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 3-4 people
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Summer
Ingredients
⚠ THIS RECIPE CONTAINS ONE OR MORE AFFILIATE LINKS. The products I recommend are the same ones I use in my recipes; purchasing them through my blog helps support me and my work, at no additional cost to you!
- 3 black oval eggplants (or striped purple)
- to taste chives
- to taste salt
- to taste mixed peppercorns
- 1.7 oz extra virgin olive oil
- 7 oz tomato purée (cherry)
- to taste dried oregano
- A few leaves basil
- 3 oz asiago
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- to taste salt
Tools
- 1 Knife
- Paper towels
- 1 Baking tray
- 1 Parchment paper
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Fork
Steps
Start by washing the eggplants very well under running water, dry them with paper towels, cut the ends with a knife, and then halve them lengthwise.
Score the flesh, without cutting all the way through with the knife, first in one direction and then the other, forming a diamond pattern.
Place the eggplant boats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and season them with a pinch of salt, a sprinkle of chives, and ground mixed pepper.
Drizzle the surface generously with extra virgin olive oil and bake in a static oven at 392°F for approximately 20′.
In a saucepan, brown one garlic clove with 2 generous tablespoons of oil for a couple of minutes over moderate heat.
Then add the cherry tomato purée and lower the heat to a minimum. Let the sauce cook for approximately 15′, stirring with a wooden spoon, and adjust the salt only at the end of cooking.
Turn off the heat, season with a few basil leaves, and set aside.
After twenty minutes, take the tray out of the oven and mash the eggplant flesh with the tines of a fork.
Season each eggplant boat with a generous portion of tomato sauce.
Season with dried oregano to taste and complete the dish with previously grated Asiago. Put back in the oven at 374°F for another 5′ or until the cheese is completely melted.
Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Serve with more fresh basil and a drizzle of raw oil.
And voilà…the eggplant boats with pizza flavor are ready to be enjoyed!
Bon Appetit from La Cucina di FeFè!
Storage
👉 The eggplant boats with pizza flavor can be stored in the fridge in suitable refrigeration containers for 2-3 days. Then, just 2′ in the microwave will make them melting again.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Can Asiago be replaced with mozzarella?
Definitely! Mozzarella is equally suitable as all melting cheeses, provided that in the case of mozzarella, you let it drain for at least 1 hour in a colander or use the drier pizza block version.
Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
Yes, there are excellent plant-based alternatives made from soy that perfectly replicate the taste, appearance, and texture of traditional mozzarella. Vegan mozzarella can easily be purchased at the supermarket in the plant-based cheese section. The most well-known brands that produce it are Valsoia, Alpro and Violife. In stores specializing in vegan and organic products, you can find even more refined artisanal mozzarellas. Alternatively, you can buy vegan mozzarella online at stores like Amazon
