Gourmet Cheese Potato Eggplant Gratin: Easy Homemade Recipe
Master the art of making a delicious Cheese Potato Eggplant Gratin. This recipe brings together the creamy texture of potatoes, the tender bite of eggplant, and a generous layer of melted cheese for an irresistible dish. Perfect for a family meal or a special occasion.
Indulge in this comforting and flavorful Cheese Potato Eggplant Gratin, a delightful dish that combines soft potatoes, savory eggplant, and a bubbly, golden layer of cheese. It’s surprisingly simple to make and guaranteed to please everyone’s palate.
Core Ingredients- 2 medium potatoes
- 1 medium eggplant
- 1/2 medium onion
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing your main ingredients: 2 medium potatoes and 1 medium eggplant.
Step 2
Peel the potatoes and cut them into bite-sized cubes, about 1.5cm in size. Avoid cutting them too small, as they might turn mushy during cooking.
Step 3
Place the cubed potatoes in a bowl of cold water for about 5 minutes to rinse off excess starch. This step helps prevent the potato cubes from sticking together and improves their texture.
Step 4
Slice the eggplant into rounds about 1cm thick, then cut each round into quarters. This ensures even cooking and better sauce absorption.
Step 5
Heat 1 Tbsp of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the coarsely chopped 1/2 onion and 1 Tbsp minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 6
Add the drained potato cubes to the pan and sauté with the onions and garlic for 2-3 minutes. Coating the potatoes with oil enhances their flavor. Pour in 1/2 cup (approx. 100ml) of water and stir to combine everything evenly.
Step 7
Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Ensuring the potatoes are fully cooked will prevent them from breaking apart later.
Step 8
Once the potatoes are tender, add the prepared eggplant pieces to the pan. Stir and cook until the eggplant begins to soften. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and a pinch of black pepper.
Step 9
Pour in 1.5 cups (approx. 300ml) of tomato sauce, which is the key to the flavor. Stir well to coat all the ingredients. Increase the heat to medium-high and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 10
Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish or a gratin dish. Sprinkle 100g of pizza cheese generously over the top. Ample cheese is essential for that rich, gooey finish.
Step 11
Place the dish in the microwave and heat for about 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly with a light golden-brown color. Microwave times may vary, so adjust accordingly. Your delicious Cheese Potato Eggplant Gratin is ready to be enjoyed!
