Roasting the tomatoes for this recipe intensifies the flavours, and brings a sweetness to the dish. The dried oregano is the underlying heart of the dish, an aromatic, sweet herb that is used abundantly in Greek food.
Prep Time 30 minutesmins
Cook Time 1 hourhr
Ingredients
Roasted Tomato Sauce
approx 1kg tomatoesI used a combo of homegrown sweet cherry and Roma tomatoes
[OR: 400g can whole peeled tomatoes]
1small red onionchopped
2clovesgarlicchopped
salt and pepper
extra virgin olive oil
Rolled Eggplant
2large eggplantcut lengthways into 5mm slices (approx. 14-16 slices)
100gfetacrumbled
1teaspoondried oregano
zest of one lemon
cracked pepper to taste
torn basil leaves and grated Parmesan to serve
Instructions
Preheat the oven 200C.
Roasted Tomato Sauce: Put the tomatoes into a shallow roasting dish, cutting the larger tomatoes into wedges. Add the chopped onions and garlic and season well with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to combine and place in the oven. Roast for 30 minutes.
Rolled Eggplant: Brush the eggplant slices generously with olive oil and season. Grill the eggplant on a hot BBQ plate until golden on both sides and softened for rolling. Don't overcook or they will become mushy. Alternatively roast on a tray in the oven in a single layer for about 30 minutes or until softened.
In a bowl combine the feta, oregano, lemon zest and pepper. Mash together with a fork to make a smooth-ish paste adding olive oil to loosen. The paste needs to be spreadable but not runny.
Once the eggplant is grilled cool a little for easy handling. Lay the slices on a board and spread evenly with the feta mix. Roll up tightly. Remove the tomatoes from the oven and use a wooden spoon to mash them up a little, then push to the edges of the dish. Arrange the rolled eggplant snugly into the centre of the dish. Bake for 30 minutes.
Garnish with torn basil and serve with grated Parmesan. Accompany with salad and fresh bread drizzled with olive oil.
Notes
Variation: Sprinkle the rolled eggplant with grated cheese before baking. We didn't do this as my son is dairy intolerant and didn't feel it needed it.