Eggplant Tagine with Mozzarella – Easy & Delicious Baked Eggplant Moussaka

Prep Time: 25 minutes   |   Cook Time: 40 minutes   |   Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes   |   Servings: 4-6

This mouthwatering **Eggplant Tagine with Mozzarella** is a flavorful North African-inspired baked dish. Layers of golden fried eggplant, rich tomato sauce with spices, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese on top create a comforting casserole that is both hearty and elegant. It is a lighter, delicious alternative to traditional moussaka and a favorite for family dinners and gatherings.

In this easy Eggplant Tagine recipe, eggplant slices are fried until crispy, then layered with a homemade spiced tomato sauce and baked until tender. The final touch of mozzarella cheese melted on top makes it incredibly satisfying. This dish is vegetarian-friendly, gluten-free, and packed with Mediterranean flavors.

Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, this Baked Eggplant Tagine pairs beautifully with rice, bread, or a fresh salad. It is a great way to enjoy eggplant in a warm, cheesy, and aromatic way.

Ingredients

• 1 kg eggplant, sliced
• Tomato juice (or blended fresh tomatoes)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 onion, chopped
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Salt to taste
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• Oil for frying
• Bell pepper, sliced (optional)
• Mozzarella cheese, grated or sliced

Instructions

1. Cut the eggplant into slices. Fry in hot oil until golden on both sides. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
2. In a pan, sauté chopped onion and garlic until soft. Add tomato juice, tomato paste, salt, cumin, and coriander. Let the sauce simmer and boil for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
3. In a baking dish (Pyrex), spread a thin layer of sauce. Arrange a layer of fried eggplant slices and bell pepper. Pour more sauce over the layers.
4. Bake in a preheated oven at 180-200°C until the eggplant is tender and the sauce is bubbling. In the last 10 minutes, add a generous layer of mozzarella cheese on top and bake until melted and golden.
5. Let it rest for a few minutes, then serve hot. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Salt the eggplant slices and let them rest for 20 minutes before frying to remove bitterness.
• Use plenty of mozzarella for that beautiful cheesy pull.
• You can add minced meat to the sauce for a heartier version.
• This tagine tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.
• Serve with warm bread or rice to enjoy the delicious sauce.

Enjoy this cheesy and flavorful **Eggplant Tagine with Mozzarella** — a delicious baked North African dish that combines crispy eggplant with rich tomato sauce and gooey cheese!