Melting Middle Aubergine Parcels Recipes

Steps:

• To make the dressing, blitz all the ingredients, except the oil, in a food processor; then, with the motor still running, drizzle in the oil. Tip into a bowl and set aside.
• Trim off either end of the aubergines and discard. Slice the aubergines lengthways into 16 slices in total. Over a barbecue (or on a hot griddle pan), heavily mark the aubergine slices on each side to soften, then lift into a dish, drizzle with a little olive oil and season.
• Working methodically, make little stacks of a mozzarella slice, tomato slice and basil leaf. Wrap each stack in a grilled aubergine slice, then wrap a second slice in the other direction to try to cover the gaps and make a little bundle. Secure each parcel with a couple of cocktail sticks. Can be kept in the fridge overnight.
• Place the parcels on the barbecue and continue to char on each side until the cheese just starts to ooze out. Lift onto a platter, drizzle with the pesto dressing and serve. See time saving tip, below left.

Steps:

• Remove the stalks from the eggplants and slice lengthwise into 1/4" slices.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the eggplant slices for 2 minutes.
• Drain and pat slices dry with paper towel.
• Take 2 eggplant slices and arranged in a cross.
• Assemble with a slice of tomato in the center, season with salt & pepper, next a basil leaf and then a slice of mozzarella, another basil leaf, another tomato and more seasoning.
• Fold the ends of the eggplant slices around the filling.
• Chill the parcels for 20 minutes in fridge.
• To make the sauce, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, tomato paste, and lemon juice.
• Season with salt & pepper.
• Baste the eggplant parcels with sauce and grill for about 10 minutes, turning once.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Drizzle the oil over the aubergine and bake in the oven for 25 mins until softened. Meanwhile, slice the tomatoes and mozzarella, then arrange on top of the aubergine. Return to oven for another 5 mins or until the cheese has melted. Scatter over some basil leaves. Serve with couscous and green salad.