Aubergines au gratin

## **Instructions**

### **Step 1: Prepare the Aubergines**
1. Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**.
2. Slice the **aubergines** into ½-inch thick rounds. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and drizzle with **olive oil**. Season with **salt** and **pepper**.
3. Roast the aubergines in the oven for **20-25 minutes**, flipping halfway through until they are tender and slightly golden. This step helps to soften the aubergines and bring out their natural sweetness.

### **Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce**
1. While the aubergines are roasting, heat **olive oil** in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced **garlic** and sauté for **1-2 minutes** until fragrant.
2. Add the **heavy cream** and **dried thyme** to the saucepan, stirring to combine. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about **5 minutes** to thicken slightly.
3. Season the sauce with **salt** and **pepper** to taste, and remove from heat once it has reached a creamy consistency.

### **Step 3: Prepare the Tomato Sauce (Optional)**
If you’re opting to add a tomato base to the gratin (which adds another layer of flavor), follow these steps:
1. Heat **olive oil** in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped **onion** and sauté for about **5 minutes** until softened.
2. Add the **crushed tomatoes**, **oregano**, and **fresh basil**. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for **10-15 minutes**. Season with **salt** and **pepper** to taste.

### **Step 4: Assemble the Gratin**
1. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the **tomato sauce** (if using) on the bottom.
2. Layer the roasted **aubergine slices** on top, overlapping them slightly.
3. Pour the **creamy sauce** over the aubergines, ensuring they are well covered.
4. Sprinkle the top with the **grated cheese** and **breadcrumbs** for a golden, crispy topping.

### **Step 5: Bake the Gratin**
1. Bake the gratin in the preheated oven for **20-25 minutes**, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
2. Remove from the oven and let it sit for **5 minutes** before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together perfectly.

### **Step 6: Serve & Garnish**
1. Garnish with **fresh parsley** or **basil** for a pop of color and freshness.
2. Serve the Aubergines au Gratin hot as a side dish or main course. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad.

## **Tips for the Perfect Aubergines au Gratin**
🍆 **Use Firm Aubergines** – Choose aubergines that are firm to the touch with smooth skin to ensure they cook evenly and don’t become mushy.
🧀 **Cheese Choices** – Gruyère adds a nutty flavor, but you can also use a sharp cheddar or a mix of cheeses for different textures and tastes.
🍅 **Add Layers of Flavor** – If you like your gratin with a bit of acidity, the optional tomato sauce brings a lovely balance to the richness of the cream and cheese.
🥄 **Make Ahead** – You can prepare this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to eat, just bake it until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

## **Final Thoughts**
Aubergines au Gratin is the kind of dish that brings comfort, elegance, and bold flavor together in a single bite. It’s creamy, cheesy, and rich in flavor, making it the perfect way to showcase aubergines in an unforgettable way. Whether you serve it as a hearty side dish or a vegetarian main course, this recipe is sure to impress anyone at your dinner table.

Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next meal—this Aubergines au Gratin is a classic that will never go out of style. Enjoy!

What’s your favorite way to cook aubergines? Let’s chat about delicious ways to use this versatile vegetable! 🍆🧀