Ingredients

3pcseggplants

2tbspolive oil

1tspsalt

1cuponion

19ozbeef sausaessliced

1tbspgarlic cloves

14ozcrushed tomatoes

1tbspsugar

1tspvegetable stock powder

½cupbasil leaveschopped

2cupsmozzarella cheeseshredded

½cupParmesan cheesegrated

9ozricotta cheese

4tbspbasil pesto

Preparation

Preheat oven to 356 degrees F. Spray 2 oven trays with cooking oil spray. Arrange eggplant slices in a single layer on oven trays; drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with salt.

Toss to evenly coat with your hands. Roast for 20 minutes, turning after 10 minutes, or until tender and golden. Set aside to cool.

Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 5 minutes or until lightly golden. Add the sausages and fry until browned and cooked through. Stir garlic through and cook until fragrant.

Add the tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes or until sauce thickens. Season with salt to taste, a pinch of sugar, stock powder, and basil.

Place ricotta, pesto, salt and pepper in a bowl and mix until well combined.

Grease a 6cm square ovenproof dish. Spread a third of the tomato sauce over the base of the pan. Add the eggplant slices over the top.

Sprinkle the cheese over the eggplant. Layer with another layer of sauce, eggplant, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layering with eggplant, sauce, and half of the ricotta.

Finish the top layer with sauce and the remaining ricotta. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbling. Serve.