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You can make aubergine lasagne by layering roasted or grilled aubergine slices with a rich tomato sauce, a creamy béchamel, and plenty of melted cheese.
It’s a delicious twist on the classic Italian dish, and honestly, once you try this aubergine lasagne, you might never go back to the traditional version.
The aubergine replaces the pasta sheets, which makes it a great low-carb option, but trust me, you won’t miss the pasta at all.
In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to make aubergine lasagne, from prepping the aubergine to baking it to golden, bubbly perfection.
Let’s get cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Aubergine Lasagne
This aubergine lasagne is one of those dishes that feels fancy but is actually pretty simple to pull off.
Here’s why it’s worth making:
1. It’s a Great Low-Carb Alternative
If you’re watching your carbs or just want a lighter take on lasagne, using aubergine instead of pasta sheets is a brilliant move.
The aubergine slices hold up beautifully and give you that same layered, satisfying bite without the heaviness of traditional pasta.
Plus, aubergine is packed with fiber and antioxidants, so you’re getting some nutritional goodness in every serving.
2. The Flavors Are Incredible
Aubergine has a mild, almost creamy texture when cooked, and it soaks up all the flavors around it.
When you layer it with a garlicky tomato sauce and a cheesy béchamel, every bite is rich and comforting.
The combination of tangy tomato, creamy sauce, and tender aubergine is just chef’s kiss.
3. It’s Perfect for Feeding a Crowd
This aubergine lasagne is a real crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a potluck, or a cozy night in, it always gets rave reviews.
And the best part? You can assemble it ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
How to Make Aubergine Lasagne Step by Step
Making aubergine lasagne is all about layering, and once you get the hang of it, it’s a breeze.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Prep the Aubergine
Start by slicing your aubergine into thin, even rounds or planks, about half a centimeter thick.
Sprinkle them with salt and let them sit for about 20 minutes.
This draws out excess moisture and helps prevent the aubergine lasagne from getting soggy.
After that, pat them dry and brush with a little olive oil.
2. Roast or Grill the Aubergine
You can either roast the slices in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway, or grill them on a griddle pan until they’re soft and slightly charred.
Grilling gives them a lovely smoky flavor that works really well in this aubergine lasagne.
Either way, make sure they’re fully cooked before layering because they won’t soften much more in the oven.
3. Make the Tomato Sauce
While the aubergine cooks, whip up a simple tomato sauce.
Sauté some onion and garlic in olive oil, then add a can of crushed tomatoes, a splash of red wine (optional but lovely), and a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.
Let it simmer for about 15 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Season with salt, pepper, and a handful of fresh basil leaves.
4. Prepare the Béchamel
A good aubergine lasagne needs a creamy béchamel to bring everything together.
Melt some butter in a saucepan, whisk in an equal amount of flour, and cook for a minute or two.
Gradually pour in warm milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
Once it’s thick and smooth, season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
5. Layer It Up
Now for the fun part.
In a baking dish, start with a thin layer of tomato sauce at the bottom.
Then add a layer of aubergine slices, followed by more tomato sauce, a drizzle of béchamel, and a sprinkle of grated mozzarella and parmesan.
Repeat these layers until you’ve used up all your ingredients, finishing with a generous layer of béchamel and cheese on top.
6. Bake to Golden Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 25 minutes.
Then remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing, so the layers hold together nicely.
Tips for the Best Aubergine Lasagne
Want to nail this aubergine lasagne every single time?
Here are a few handy tips:
1. Don’t Skip Salting the Aubergine
Salting the aubergine is crucial because it removes excess water and prevents the lasagne from turning into a soupy mess.
It also helps reduce any bitterness, though modern aubergines are usually pretty mild.
2. Use a Mix of Cheeses
Mozzarella gives you that gooey, stretchy goodness, while parmesan adds a salty, nutty kick.
You could also add a little ricotta or cottage cheese for extra creaminess in the layers.
3. Let It Rest Before Serving
I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting the aubergine lasagne rest for 10–15 minutes makes a huge difference.
It allows the layers to set, so you get clean slices instead of a messy pile on the plate.
So, How Do You Make Aubergine Lasagne?
You make aubergine lasagne by layering roasted aubergine slices with tomato sauce, béchamel, and cheese, then baking it until golden and bubbly.
It’s a fantastic alternative to traditional lasagne, and it’s just as comforting and flavorful.
Whether you’re looking for a low-carb option or simply want to try something new, this aubergine lasagne is definitely worth a try.
Hope this post has helped you learn how to make aubergine lasagne, and that you enjoy it as much as I do.