Eggplant Maurice
A hearty eggplant casserole layered with tomatoes, green pepper, onion, and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners and vegetable lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic salt. Set aside.
- Place a layer of cubed eggplant in a greased casserole dish.
- Add a layer of drained tomatoes, chopped green pepper, and sliced onion.
- Sprinkle lightly with the mixed seasonings.
- Add a layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Repeat layers until the casserole is filled, ending with cheese on top.
- Since there is great shrinkage, press the cover down over the mixture.
- Cover and bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove cover, reduce temperature to 350°F, and continue baking for another 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, choose a firm eggplant and salt it before use to draw out moisture and bitterness. If you prefer, substitute the Cheddar cheese with mozzarella for a milder flavor, or use a mix of cheeses for added complexity. You can add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for more variety. Adjust spices to your taste, especially if you enjoy a bit of heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Eggplant Maurice hot, garnished with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added color and flavor. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad, such as a 5 Minute Salad, and crusty Cheesy Bread for a complete meal. This dish is vegetarian, making it a great option for meatless dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but be cautious as the cheese may become rubbery if overcooked.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Eggplant Maurice contains roughly 196 calories, with 10g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value), calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 467mg per serving (20% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. Just increase baking time slightly if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of canned tomatoes?
You can substitute fresh tomatoes if you prefer, about 2-3 cups chopped. Alternatively, crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce can work, but make sure to drain excess liquid to prevent a soggy casserole.
Is it possible to freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in freezer-safe packaging. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).