Aubergine, Tomato & Parmesan Bake (Melanzane Alla Parmigiana - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 garlic cloves
6 tablespoons olive oil
crushed red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
1 lb chopped tomato (you'll find 7/8 oz cans, use 2)
2 tablespoons tomato puree
4 aubergines, cut into long, thick slices (eggplants)
3 ounces parmesan cheese, freshly grated (can use Mozarella or use half & half of each)
2/3 ounce packed basil, leaves torn or 2/3 ounce fresh flat leaf parsley
1 egg, beaten

Preparation

Heat oven to 360\u00b0F.
In a shallow pan, mix together the garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and 4 tbsp of the olive oil.
Cook over a high heat for 3 mins, pour in the tomatoes, then simmer for 8 mins, stirring every now and then; stir in the tomato puree.
Meanwhile, heat a griddle pan until very hot.
Brush a few of the aubergines with a little oil, then add to the pan.
Cook over a high heat until well browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Turn them halfway through cooking.
Lift onto kitchen paper and do the next batch (Once you have added the correct amount of oil - if the pan looks dry, don't add more oil - the aubergines will release their juices and oils.).
When all the aubergines are cooked, lay a few of them in the bottom of an ovenproof dish, then spoon over some sauce.
Sprinkle with Parmesan and basil leaves.
Add seasoning, then repeat this process with the remaining ingredients.
Finally, pour the egg over the top, sprinkle over a little more Parmesan, then bake for 20 mins or until the topping is golden.