Eggplant and Chicken Thighs Casserole

Eggplant and Chicken Thighs Casserole Recipe | Traditional Moldovan Dish

Region / culture: Moldova | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Eggplant and Chicken Thighs Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of tender chicken thighs, roasted eggplant, and a savory tomato sauce. This casserole is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

History

This recipe has Mediterranean roots and is a popular dish in countries like Greece, Turkey, and Italy. It is a comforting and satisfying meal that has been passed down through generations.

Ingredients

3 medium eggplants
1 lb / 500 g tomatoes
2 lb / 1 kg chicken thighs
3 onions
3 carrots, sliced round
3 green peppers
1 parsley root
1 celery root, sliced
1 tbsp mixed parsley and dill
1 head of garlic
4 tbsp oil
1 bay leaf
1 tsp flour
a few whole black peppers
1 tbsp oregano and thyme
2 tbsp crumbled feta cheese
salt

How to prepare

Wash the eggplants, remove the stem and cut them into 0.5 inch rounds.
Sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt and let them rest for 1 hour.
Drain each slice well and dry them with a clean cloth. Fry them in oil on both sides over medium heat.
After frying all the eggplants, fry the thighs. Then, fry the thinly sliced onions and vegetables in the remaining oil until softened.
In a pan, arrange a layer of tomato rounds (reserving about 0.33 of the tomatoes for the sauce). Then, add a layer of fried eggplants and sprinkle them with minced garlic. Next, add a layer of fried thighs sprinkled with salt, oregano, and thyme. Finally, add a layer of fried vegetables sprinkled with some salt.
Repeat this procedure until all the ingredients are used up. The last layer should be tomatoes.
Boil the remaining tomatoes with 2-3 tbsp of water. Strain the mixture and add some salt, dusted flour, and 0.5 tsp of sugar.
Pour this sauce over the eggplants and then bake until almost all the liquid is reduced.
Turn the dish onto a serving platter and serve it warm. Sprinkle parsley, dill, and crumbled feta on top.

Variations

Add some olives or capers for a briny flavor.
Use different herbs and spices, such as rosemary or basil, to change up the flavor profile.
Substitute the chicken thighs with chicken breasts or even lamb for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to properly salt and drain the eggplant slices to remove any bitterness.

- Fry the eggplant slices until they are golden brown to enhance their flavor and texture.

- Layer the ingredients in the casserole dish evenly to ensure even cooking.

- Be sure to let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole can be served with a side of crusty bread, a green salad, or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Frying the eggplant slices until golden brown adds a delicious flavor and texture to the dish.

- Layering the ingredients in the casserole dish allows the flavors to meld together as it bakes.

- Baking the casserole until the liquid is reduced ensures a rich and flavorful sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use zucchini or yellow squash instead of eggplant for a different flavor.

- Substitute the chicken thighs with chicken breasts or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

- Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Parmesan, instead of feta.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the casserole in a large baking dish or individual ramekins for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of feta cheese on top.

Pairing Recommendations

This casserole pairs well with a light and crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It also goes well with a glass of red wine, such as a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Eggplant and Chicken Thighs Casserole contains around 400 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal option.

Carbohydrates

This dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those following a low-carb or keto diet. Each serving contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Eggplant and Chicken Thighs Casserole is a moderate source of fats, with each serving containing around 20 grams of fat. The fats come from the olive oil used for frying and the natural fats in the chicken thighs.

Proteins

This casserole is a good source of protein, with each serving providing approximately 30 grams of protein. The protein comes from the chicken thighs and the feta cheese sprinkled on top.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C from the tomatoes and peppers, and potassium from the eggplant and chicken thighs. It also contains iron, calcium, and vitamin A.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (feta cheese) and gluten (flour), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Overall, Eggplant and Chicken Thighs Casserole is a nutritious and balanced meal option that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Eggplant and Chicken Thighs Casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. With its layers of tender chicken thighs, roasted eggplant, and savory tomato sauce, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Eggplant and Chicken Thighs Casserole. It was a warm summer day, and I had just returned from a visit to the farmer's market with a basket full of fresh eggplants and chicken thighs. As I sorted through my purchases, I couldn't help but wonder how I could combine these two ingredients in a way that would truly showcase their flavors.

I turned to my trusty recipe book, filled with handwritten notes and clippings from magazines and newspapers. As I flipped through the pages, a faded piece of paper caught my eye. It was a recipe for Eggplant and Chicken Thighs Casserole that I had tucked away years ago, given to me by a dear friend who had learned it from her grandmother.

I carefully read through the instructions, taking note of the ingredients and steps involved in creating this savory dish. The combination of tender chicken thighs, flavorful eggplant, and a rich tomato sauce seemed like the perfect marriage of flavors.

Excited to try something new, I set to work in the kitchen, chopping the eggplants into thick slices and browning the chicken thighs in a hot skillet. The aroma that filled the air was intoxicating, a blend of garlic, onions, and herbs that hinted at the delicious meal to come.

As I layered the eggplant and chicken thighs in a baking dish, spooning the tomato sauce over each layer, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in my creation. The colors and textures of the dish were vibrant and inviting, promising a feast for the senses.

I slid the casserole into the oven, the scent of roasting vegetables and chicken wafting through the kitchen. As I waited for the dish to cook, I thought back to all the recipes I had collected over the years, each one telling a story of its own.

Some recipes had come from cookbooks, passed down through generations of chefs and home cooks. Others had been shared with me by friends and neighbors, each one carrying a memory of a shared meal or celebration.

But this recipe for Eggplant and Chicken Thighs Casserole felt different. It was a blend of tradition and innovation, a dish that spoke to the creativity and resourcefulness of home cooks everywhere.

When the casserole finally emerged from the oven, golden and bubbling, I couldn't wait to dig in. The first bite was a revelation, a harmony of flavors and textures that danced on my tongue.

As I savored each mouthful, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen, a dish that I would share with family and friends for years to come. And as I sat at the table, surrounded by loved ones and good food, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the simple pleasures of cooking and sharing a meal together.