Brasileiro Vegetable Bake

Ingredients

• 1eggplant
• 2zucchini
• 2tomatoes
• 80 mlolive oil
• herbs — chopped
• to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

1. Start by washing the eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes thoroughly under cold running water. Cut the eggplant and zucchini into 1/4-inch thick slices. Slice the tomatoes slightly thinner, about 1/8-inch thick. Lay the slices on a clean kitchen towel, sprinkle them with fine sea salt, and let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. This step will help prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy during baking.
2. While the vegetables are resting, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large ovenproof skillet or baking dish, pour in 80 ml of olive oil, ensuring the bottom is well coated. If you have fresh herbs like thyme or oregano, chop them finely and mix them into the oil. This will infuse the oil with flavor, which will be absorbed by the vegetables as they cook.
3. Pat the vegetables dry with a paper towel to remove the drawn-out moisture and excess salt. Layer the eggplant, zucchini, and tomato slices in the skillet or baking dish, alternating between them to create a visually appealing pattern. Drizzle a bit more olive oil over the top and season with a pinch of black pepper. The layering should be snug but not overly packed to allow even cooking.
4. Place the skillet on the stove over medium heat. Cook slowly, allowing the vegetables to soften and the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally, being gentle to maintain the integrity of the slices. You will know the base is ready when the onions are translucent and the vegetables are tender but not falling apart.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake until the top is slightly golden and the vegetables are fully tender, with the edges just beginning to caramelize. The tomatoes should have released some of their juices, creating a flavorful sauce at the bottom of the dish.
6. Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool slightly. Taste a small piece of vegetable and adjust the seasoning with more salt if needed. The dish should be well-balanced, with the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and the richness of the olive oil coming through.
7. Serve the Brasileiro Vegetable Bake directly from the skillet, family-style, at the table. Encourage everyone to help themselves, enjoying the blend of textures and flavors that have come together in this comforting dish.