• 2 lbs (900 g) aubergines
• 2 lbs (900 g) tomatoes, peeled and chopped
• ½ lb (225 g) mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 2 or 3 leaves of fresh basil, finely chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper
• More olive oil to saute the aubergines
• 2 oz (56 g) grated parmesan cheese

Method:

1. Peel the aubergines and cut into medium size slices. Put on a rack over a baking tray and sprinkle with salt.
2. Leave for about an hour to let the bitter juices drain off.
3. Rinse the aubergines and wipe dry.
4. Heat 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil, add the diced tomatoes, basil, salt and pepper and cook on the hob until the tomatoes have formed a thick sauce.
5. Slice the mozzarella cheese.
6. Heat a good amount of olive oil in a large frying pan and add the sliced aubergines a few at a time and saute on both sides. Take from the frying pan with a perforated spoon and drain on kitchen roll.
7. Spread a layer of aubergines on the bottom of a deep casserole, sprinkle with parmesan cheese and add a layer of sliced mozzarella and then spread on some of the tomato sauce.
8. Continue layering this way until all the ingredients are used up, ending with a top layer of aubergines.
9. Bake in a pre-heated oven at Gas Mark 7 (220°C/400°F) for 30 minutes.

Serves 4.

Note: A sprinkling of breadcrumbs over the top before baking goes well..