Inspired by Vincenzo’s plate, but also by my deep affection for this lovely cheap and versatile veg, which I fell in love with in early days of living in Italia.

We’re enjoying a few child free days, the child is having some quality time in Versilia with Lara, Ilan and Lydia, so this evening there was a bottle of a rather excellent Bolgheri and the said parmigiana.

I started with the tomato sauce, again, Vincenzo’s way, so a large onion and 2 carrots blitzed into a creamy pulp with some olive oil, panfried for 10 minutes, before some chili flakes went in and a bottle of passata. Cooked under the lid for about 40 minutes, fresh basil leaves added, seasoned with salt and brown sugar.

Aubergine were cut into 1 cm slices, salted and left to sweat. Then patted with kitchen towel, dusted with flour and fried until golden brown. Next time I will choose a wider pan for frying, it took bloody forever, luckily I had Maneskin to keep me entertained.

Once the aubergines were all fried and rested on the paper towels, I could put the parmigiana together. Tomato sauce on the bottom, melanzane, tomato sauce, fresh basil leaves, chopped mozarella, some grated pecorino. Melanzane again, sauce, basil, cheeses.

I did 3 layers, finished with tomato sauce, covered with alu foil and into the oven for 30 mins in 180 degrees. Foil off, a generous dusting of parmesan, 10 more minutes.

Once baked I let it rest for a good 15 minutes before cutting and serving. An excellent dish, basta cosi.