- Why is my eggplant bitter?
- Older varieties can be bitter, though modern ones rarely are. Salting helps draw out bitter juices and condenses the flesh.
- Do I need to peel the eggplant?
- No need. The skin is full of antioxidants and helps keep the slices intact during cooking.
Roasted Eggplant Pizza (Alla Melanzana)
Eggplant is a staple of Southern Italian cooking, especially in Sicily. This pizza translates the flavors of the famous 'Melanzane alla Parmigiana' onto a pizza crust. Eggplant acts like a sponge, soaking up oil, so the secret lies in the preparation: salting and pre-roasting achieve that creamy, meaty texture we love.
Ingredients
10-12
oz
Pizza Dough
2/3
cup
Thick Pizza Sauce
7-8
oz
Fresh Mozzarella Ball
1
small
Eggplant
1.75
oz
Parmigiano Reggiano
10
leaves
Fresh Basil
3
tbsp
Olive Oil
1
pinch
Salt
1
pinch
Pepper
Shopping List (0)
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Paper towels
- Skillet or grill pan
- Pastry brush
Allergen Information
Wheat
Milk
Instructions
1
✓
Slice the eggplant into 1/4 inch rounds. Salt both sides generously and let sit for 15 minutes until droplets of water appear.
Tip: Salt breaks down cell walls and draws out water, preventing the eggplant from absorbing too much oil later.
2
✓
Rinse off the salt, pat dry, and lightly fry the slices in a skillet with a little oil until golden brown.
Tip: Pre-cooking is essential because raw eggplant wouldn't fully soften during the short pizza baking time.
3
✓
Preheat your oven to 430°F (220°C). Roll out the dough and place it on a baking sheet.
Tip: Lightly oil the baking sheet or use parchment paper for a crispy bottom crust.
4
✓
Spread the tomato sauce, then season with salt and pepper. Arrange the pre-cooked eggplant slices on top.
Tip: Eggplant has a mild flavor, so seasoning is key. The acidity of the tomato balances it perfectly.
5
✓
Sprinkle with grated Parmesan, then tear the fresh mozzarella over the top.
Tip: Parmesan adds savory depth, while torn fresh mozzarella melts better than sliced.
6
✓
Bake for 12-15 minutes. Before serving, garnish with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil.
Tip: The finishing drizzle of oil adds a fresh note to the roasted vegetables.
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 10-12 oz Pizza Dough
- 2/3 cup Thick Pizza Sauce
- 7-8 oz Fresh Mozzarella Ball
- 1 small Eggplant
- 1.75 oz Parmigiano Reggiano
- 10 leaves Fresh Basil
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 pinch Salt
- 1 pinch Pepper