Aubergine cake is a delightful and unique dish that combines the flavors of roasted aubergine, tricolour pasta, and creamy cheese. This savory cake is not only visually appealing but also incredibly delicious. The earthy and smoky taste of the aubergine perfectly complements the rich and tangy flavors of the pasta and cheese. This recipe offers a simple and straightforward method to create this impressive dish that will surely please your taste buds and impress your guests. By following a few easy steps, you can assemble this scrumptious aubergine cake and enjoy a satisfying meal that combines the best of Italian flavors. Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply looking for a new and exciting dish, this aubergine cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 large aubergine
- 300g/11oz tricolour pasta shapes
- 100g/4oz low-fat soft cheese with garlic and herbs
- 350ml/12fl oz passata
- 4 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons dried white breadcrumbs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
PREPARATIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 190°C/375°F/Gas mark 5. Grease and line a 20cm/8in round springform cake tin.
- Trim the aubergine and slice lengthways into slices about 5mm/1/4in thick. Put in a bowl, sprinkle liberally with salt, and set aside for 30 minutes to remove any bitter juices. Rinse well under cold running water, and drain.
- Bring a saucepan of water to the boil, and blanch the aubergine for 1 minute. Drain and pat dry with kitchen paper.
- Cook the pasta shapes in lightly salted boiling water until al dente. Drain well, and return to the saucepan. Add the soft cheese and allow it to melt over the pasta. Stir in the passata, Parmesan, and oregano, and season with salt and pepper.
- Arrange the aubergine over the bottom and sides of the cake tin, overlapping the slices and making sure that there are no gaps.
- Pile the pasta mixture into the tin, packing down well, and sprinkle with the breadcrumbs. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes, then remove the tin from the oven and leave to stand for 15 minutes.
- Loosen the cake around the edge with a palette knife or spatula, and release from the tin. Turn out the pasta cake, aubergine side uppermost, and serve hot.
YIELD: Serves 4
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat the oven and prepare the cake tin by greasing and lining it.
- Remove bitter juices from the aubergine by salting and rinsing it.
- Blanch the aubergine briefly to enhance its texture.
- Cook the pasta until al dente and melt the soft cheese with passata, Parmesan, and oregano to create a flavorful sauce.
- Assemble the cake by layering the aubergine slices and packing the pasta mixture tightly into the tin.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for a crispy finish.
- Allow the cake to rest after baking before removing it from the tin.
- Serve the aubergine cake with the aubergine side facing up for an attractive presentation.
TIPS:
- Experiment with different types of pasta shapes to add variety and visual appeal to the cake.
- Customize the flavor by using different varieties of soft cheese with garlic and herbs.
- Add a touch of spice by incorporating chili flakes or paprika into the pasta mixture.
- Garnish the aubergine cake with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, for an added burst of freshness.
- Serve the aubergine cake as a main course with a side salad or as a delicious appetizer for a dinner party.
Aubergine cake is a fantastic dish that combines the unique flavors of roasted aubergine, tricolour pasta, and creamy cheese. The layers of tender aubergine and flavorful pasta create a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will leave you craving for more. This recipe provides clear instructions to ensure your aubergine cake turns out perfectly every time. The prepping process involves salting and rinsing the aubergine to remove any bitterness, blanching it briefly for enhanced texture, and cooking the pasta until al dente. The soft cheese, passata, Parmesan, and oregano are combined to form a delicious sauce that binds the dish together. Assembling the cake is a creative process where you arrange the aubergine slices in the cake tin, ensuring there are no gaps. The pasta mixture is then piled on top, packed down well, and sprinkled with breadcrumbs for an irresistible crispy crust.
Once baked to perfection, the aubergine cake is allowed to cool and set before it is released from the tin. Turning the cake out with the aubergine side facing up creates a visually stunning presentation. The savory aroma and beautiful colors of this dish will instantly impress your guests. Aubergine cake can be served as a main course accompanied by a fresh side salad or as a delightful appetizer for a dinner party.
With a few simple modifications, you can personalize this recipe to suit your taste. Try different types of pasta shapes to add variety and experiment with various soft cheeses to enhance the flavors. You can also add a touch of spice by incorporating chili flakes or paprika into the pasta mixture for an extra kick. Garnishing with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, will provide a burst of freshness.
In conclusion, aubergine cake is a versatile and flavorful dish that will captivate your taste buds. Its layers of aubergine and pasta, combined with the richness of cheese and aromatic herbs, make it a truly delightful treat. By following the step-by-step instructions and utilizing the provided tips, you can create a stunning aubergine cake that will impress both your family and guests. Enjoy this delectable creation and savor the harmonious blend of flavors. Bon appétit!
