Baked Eggplant Parmesan

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 2 cups breadcrumbs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Olive oil for brushing
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Dip each eggplant slice into beaten eggs, then coat both sides with the breadcrumb mixture. Place on the prepared baking sheet.

4. Bake the eggplant slices for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and tender.

5. In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce. Arrange half of the baked eggplant slices on top.

6. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella over the eggplant, followed by more marinara sauce.

7. Repeat the layers with the remaining eggplant slices, mozzarella, and marinara.

8. Finish with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

10. Remove from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Spanakopita

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 package (about 280g) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for brushing phyllo
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 package (about 450g) phyllo dough, thawed according to package instructions
• Butter, melted (for brushing phyllo)

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C and grease a baking dish.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, feta cheese, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, dill, parsley, and olive oil. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Lay one sheet of phyllo dough in the prepared baking dish and brush it lightly with melted butter. Repeat with 7 more sheets, layering them and brushing each with butter.

4. Spread half of the spinach and cheese mixture over the phyllo layers.

5. Layer another 8 sheets of phyllo on top, brushing each with butter.

6. Spread the remaining spinach and cheese mixture over these layers.

7. Finish with a final layer of 8 sheets of phyllo, brushing each with butter. Ensure to tuck in any excess phyllo around the edges.

8. Score the top layers into squares or triangles using a sharp knife.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

10. Allow the spanakopita to cool for a few minutes before cutting along the scored lines.

Penne in Pumpkin and Vodka Sauce

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 450g penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup vodka
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Method:

1. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened.

3. Stir in pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, and vodka. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing flavours to meld.

4. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.

5. Add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

6. Combine the cooked penne pasta with the sauce, ensuring it's well-coated.

7. Simmer for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the pasta.

8. Adjust seasoning if needed and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

A wide variety of quality ingredients for our recipes are available from Arkadia supermarkets in Malta and Gozo, including Arkadia FoodExpress Swatar and Arkadia Food Market Valletta.

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is provided "as is" and is intended for general information only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider, familiar with your individual medical needs.

Stay up to date with our recipe ideas for special diets - https://arkadiafoodstore.com/specialdiets/

Tell your Facebook friends about it.