Pastelon de Berenjena y Queso (eggplant and cheese casserole) is a favorite Dominican dish, and perfect for vegetarians.
Why we ❤️ it
If you're a vegetarian trying to survive on Dominican food, this Pastelón de Berenjena y Queso (Eggplant & Cheese Casserole) will be a go-to recipe. It's a great dish whether you're a vegetarian or not, to be honest.
Eggplants are very popular in the Dominican Republic, at least with adults. I've yet to know a child who likes them. Eggplants appear in many dishes, often mixed with meat.
Eggplant & Cheese Casserole
About this recipe
There is a similar dish with meat as the filling if you're into that, but if you're looking for a meatless version or even a side dish to serve with meat, this is just perfect for the role.
Recipe
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Pastelon de Berenjena y Queso Recipe (Eggplant & Cheese Casserole)
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter (salted), Plus extra for greasing the pan
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1½ cup whole milk, (or milk substitute)
- 1 teaspoon salt, (or more, to taste)
- ½ cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 4 eggplant , (large) sliced thinly
- ½ cup freshly-grated Parmesan, or Pecorino
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350 °F [180ºC]. Grease a mid-sized baking pan.
- In a saucepan heat the butter over low heat. Add the flour and stir vigorously until the two are well mixed. Add the milk and stir until it reaches a uniform consistency. Add a pinch of salt and keep stirring until it becomes a thick cream. Add the mozzarella cheese and mix. Taste and add more salt to taste if needed. Set aside.
- Lay a layer of eggplants on the baking pan and spread some of the sauce that you had prepared previously. Keep adding layers of eggplants, "glueing" each layer with the sauce. Cover with a final layer of eggplant. Cover the baking pan with tinfoil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Uncover, sprinkle with the parmesan cheese and bake until the top is light golden.
Tips and Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is calculated automatically based on ingredients listed. Please consult your doctor if you need precise nutrition information.
Published Jun 16, 2012, revised
