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Melanzane a funghetto
Fried aubergine with tomatoes
Melanzane a funghetto: Naples's "mushroom-style" fried aubergine with cherry tomatoes and basil
Neapolitans call this aubergine "a funghetto" because the small fried cubes look and taste a little like sautéed mushrooms. It is a summer side dish from Naples and the Amalfi Coast, made when aubergines are cheap and glossy: cubes fried until golden, then tossed with a quick sauce of cherry tomatoes, garlic and basil. It is served warm or cold next to grilled meat or fish, or piled on bread. Chef's tip: salt the aubergine cubes and leave them in a colander for 30 minutes, then pat dry; they soak up less oil and fry crisp.
- Total time
- 35 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 4
Ingredients
- 2 medium auberginesabout 600 g, cut into 2 cm cubes
- 1 tsp saltdivided
- 6 tbsp olive oilfor frying
- 2 cloves garlicsliced
- 10 ½ oz cherry tomatoeshalved
- 12 basil leaves
- 1 pinch chilli flakesopt
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Method
0/4 doneStep 1: Toss 2 medium aubergines with half of ½ tsp salt in a colander and leave for 30 minutes. Pat dry well with kitchen paper.
30 minStep 2: Heat 6 tbsp olive oil in a large frying pan over a medium-high heat and fry the aubergine in two batches for 6–8 minutes, turning, until golden and soft inside. Drain on kitchen paper. Common mistake: adding more oil as they fry; aubergine soaks it all up. Keep the heat high and the oil will come back out.
15 minStep 3: Pour off all but a tablespoon of oil, add 2 cloves garlic and 1 pinch chilli flakes, if using, and cook for 1 minute. Add 10 ½ oz cherry tomatoes and the rest of the salt and cook for 4 minutes, until they soften and release juice.
5 minStep 4: Return the aubergine, add 12 basil leaves and toss for 1 minute. Serve warm or at room temperature.
1 min
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 210 kcal
- Protein
- 3 g
- Carbs
- 13 g
- Fat
- 17 g
- Fibre
- 6 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does melanzane a funghetto take?
- About 35 minutes in total: 15 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 4 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegan?
- Yes. It has no meat, fish, dairy or eggs.
- Is it gluten free?
- Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
- What can I use instead of garlic?
- ½ tsp garlic paste or ⅛ tsp garlic powder per clove.
- What can I use instead of cherry tomatoes?
- Tinned chopped tomatoes: a 400g tin for about 6 tomatoes (in cooked dishes, not salads).
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