Eggplant Tian with feta and candied tomatoes

A tian revisited in a keto version: roasted eggplant, feta cheese and candied tomatoes, flavored with thyme and garlic. Rich in flavor and low in carbs, perfect as a light main dish or side dish.

Ingredients

2 medium eggplants, cut into thin rounds

200g crumbled feta

150g candied tomatoes (in a jar, drained)

2 cloves of garlic, chopped

3 tablespoons of olive oil

1 tablespoon fresh thyme

Salt and pepper from the mill

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (static heat). Lightly grease the gratin dish with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Slice the eggplants into thin slices and, if desired, sprinkle lightly with salt and leave to drain for 10 minutes then dab with absorbent paper to remove excess water (prevention of bitterness and for better roasting).
3. Arrange the eggplant slices and candied tomatoes in even layers in the dish, alternating and overlapping slightly for a harmonious presentation.
4. Sprinkle the chopped garlic, stripped thyme and crumbled feta between the layers. Season sparingly with salt and pepper (the feta is already salty).
5. Drizzle everything with a drizzle of olive oil (about 2–3 tablespoons) to promote cooking and flavor. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle.
6. Remove the foil and continue cooking for 10–15 minutes until the top is lightly browned and the eggplant is tender. If you want a browned top, spend 2–3 minutes under the grill, keeping an eye on it.
7. Leave to rest for 5 minutes out of the oven so that the preparation holds together, then serve warm as a side dish or main course.

Variants

• Olive Tian: Add sliced ​​black olives between layers.
• Basil Tian: add fresh basil at the end of cooking for a fresh touch.
• Tian gratinated: add a little grated parmesan on top and place under the grill for 2 minutes.

Tips

• To avoid bitterness, lightly sprinkle the eggplants with salt and let them drain for 10 minutes, then pat them dry.
• Use good quality candied tomatoes to concentrate the flavors without added sugar.
• Serve warm so that the feta maintains a creamy texture.

FAQ