Nicaraguan Aubergine (Eggplant) Casserole (Cacerola De Berenja)

Name: Nicaraguan Aubergine (Eggplant) Casserole (Cacerola De Berenja)
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 8 as a side dish, 4 serving(s)
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs aubergines, sliced 1/2 in. thick; salt; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, peeled and finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed; 1 bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped; 1 -2 green chili pepper; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 6 tablespoons tomato puree; 6 fluid ounces water; 8 ounces cheddar cheese, grated; salt and black pepper

Submitted by Cyc9218

"I got this from a book of Latin American vegetarian recipes and it rapidly became one of my favourites. I make it regularly when aubergines are in season."

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Ready In:: 1hr 10mins
Ingredients:: 12
Yields:: 8 as a side dish
Serves:: 4

ingredients

1 ¹⁄₂ lbs aubergines, sliced 1/2 in. thick
salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, peeled and finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
1 bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1 -2 green chili pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin
6 tablespoons tomato puree
6 fluid ounces water
8 ounces cheddar cheese, grated
salt and black pepper

directions

Place the aubergine slices in a colander, sprinkle with salt and set aside for 30 minutes. Then rinse under a cold tap and pat dry with absorbent kitchen paper.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C, gas mark 6).
Place the aubergine slices in a single layer on a greased baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the onion and garlic until just softened.
Add the chopped bell pepper and cook for a further 2 minutes.
Add the chilli peppers, cumin and tomato purée and cook, stirring, for another 2 minutes.
Add the water, bring the mixture to the boil, stirring, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
Layer half the aubergine slices in the bottom of a greased oven proof dish.
Pour over half the sauce and sprinkle half the cheese on top.
Repeat with the remaining ingredients and bake for 20 minutes or until browned.