Aubergine Timbales

Photo: flickr user Agathe B

Ingredients

2 mediums Aubergine, baked at 375 degrees f for 35 minutes

4 tablespoons Virgin olive oil

1 Leek washed and dried, in 1/8" rounds

3 Plum tomatoes, in 1/4" concasse

2 tablespoons Fresh thyme leaves, chopped

4 Eggs, plus 2 yolks

1 cup Milk

Preparation

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Cut aubergine in half lengthwise and scrape out flesh. Place in a mixing bowl and set aside. Heat oil in a 12 inch to 14 inch saute pan until smoking. Add leeks and cook until very soft, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add tomatoes and continue cooking for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir into aubergine mash. Add thyme, eggs and yolks and milk to bowl and stir to blend well. Season with salt and pepper and spoon into buttered 4 inch tall timbale molds.

Place timbales in roasting pan and fill pan halfway with cool water. Place pans in oven and bake until set, about 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from oven.

Carefully remove timbales from molds and serve with slices of lamb.

Yield: 6 servings as a side dish