Ingredients

  • 2 lrg Aubergines, cut lengthways into 1/4" slices Extra virgin olive oil for brushing Salt and freshly grnd black pepper
  • 2 x Crottin de Chavignol goat's cheeses or possibly, halved horizontally other small hard goat's cheese
  • 2 Tbsp. Extra virgin extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 x Red onion, 1/2" diced
  • 1 x Clove garlic crushed
  • 1 sm Aubergine, 1/2" diced
  • 1/2 x Red pepper, 1/2" diced
  • 1/2 x Yellow pepper, 1/2" diced
  • 2 sm Courgettes, 1/2" diced
  • 1 x Celery stick, 1/2" diced
  • 25 gm Dry apricots
  • 25 gm Dry apple, soaked for two hrs, 1/2" diced
  • 2 Tbsp. Balsamic vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp. Maple syrup or possibly honey
  • 1 Tbsp. Raisins, soaked in hot water till plump
  • 3 Tbsp. Pine kernels Salt and freshly grnd black pepper
  • 4 x Ripe plum tomatoes
  • 1 sm Clov garlic, halved
  • 1 sprg thyme
  • 4 Tbsp. Extra virgin extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 pch sugar, (optional) Good bunch rocket leaves
  • 2 x Tomatoes, peeled, deseeded, cut into 1/2" diamonds

Method

  • Preheat oven to 180c/350f/Gas 4.
  • 1 Put the aubergine slices on a baking sheet, brush with extra virgin olive oil, season and bake for eight min or possibly till tender.
  • 2 Remove the aubergine slices from the oven and cold.
  • Leave the oven on.
  • Use the aubergine slices to line ramekin dishes, each about 175ml/6fl ounce capacity.
  • 3 The slices should overlap each other, leaving no gaps, and hang over the rim of the dish so which they can be used to cover and secure the caponata filling.
  • 4 For the Caponata: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a pan and add in the onion and garlic.
  • Cook for a minute before adding the remaining vegetables and dry fruit.
  • Cook on a medium heat for 10 min or possibly till softened and lightly golden brown.
  • 5 Add in the balsamic vinegar, maple syrup or possibly honey and raisins, and mix well to create a sweet and sour sauce.
  • Finally add in the pine kernels and season.
  • 6 To combine, put a 1/2" layer of caponata into the aubergine lined dishes.
  • Top with a piece of goat's cheese followed by more caponata.
  • 7 Fold over the aubergine slices to secure the filling and press down to ensure the filling is compact.
  • Place on a baking sheet and bake for 4-5 min, till just warmed through.
  • 8 To make the Tomato Oil: Quarter the tomatoes and blend to extract the juice.
  • Strain the tomato juice into a pan, add in the garlic and thyme, and bring to the boil.
  • Reduce to a simmer and cook till reduced to half.
  • 9 Remove from the heat, strain again and cold.
  • Whisk the extra virgin olive oil, season and add in a healthy pinch of sugar if necessary.
  • This oil may be made 3-4 days in advanced and kept in the fridge.)
  • 10 Carefully unmould the hot charlottes onto serving plates and garnish with rocket and diced tomato and a little tomato oil.
  • Hint - as an alternative to goat's cheese, why not use mozzarella