-
1
Preheat your oven to 220C/Gas 7, position upper middle shelf.
-
2
Start with the dressing.
-
3
Get a small bowl.
-
4
Add 2 tbsp of the extra virgin olive oil and 1 tbsp of the wine vinegar.
-
5
Mix them together with a fork.
-
6
Season to taste with salt and sugar.
-
7
Next, prepare the aubergine.
-
8
Cut it in half lengthways.
-
9
Score the flesh side in a criss-cross pattern.
-
10
Peel or slice a 10cm long, 3cm wide strip of skin off the bottom of each half.
-
11
Get a small baking tray.
-
12
Line it with greaseproof or non-stick baking paper.
-
13
Put the aubergine halves on the baking tray.
-
14
Brush the top and bottom of the aubergine vigorously with half the dressing.
-
15
Make sure the aubergine is criss-cross side up.
-
16
Roast for 20-25 minutes until the flesh is soft.
-
17
While the aubergine is still hot, brush the remaining dressing over the top.
-
18
While the aubergine roasts, prepare the pepper mixture.
-
19
Get a medium sized frying pan.
-
20
Add the red onion, garlic, orange pepper, currants, 2 tbsp of the extra virgin olive oil, the remaining 1 tbsp of wine vinegar, the 2 tbsp of water, a pinch of salt and a pinch of sugar.
-
21
Cover the pan and put it on a medium heat.
-
22
Sweat for 10 minutes or until soft, checking a few times; if the mixture looks a bit dry, add 1-2 tsp of water.
-
23
Add the capers and tomatoes.
-
24
Turn up the heat.
-
25
Bring to the boil.
-
26
Simmer for 2 minutes.
-
27
Season to taste.
-
28
Get a medium bowl.
-
29
Add the Parmesan, ricotta and 2 tbsp of the basil.
-
30
Mix together.
-
31
Season to taste.
-
32
When you are ready to serve, spread this mixture over the cooked aubergine halves.
-
33
Trickle 1 tsp of extra virgin olive oil over each aubergine half.
-
34
Roast for 3 minutes.
-
35
Use a fish slice to lift the aubergines onto your plates.
-
36
Add the remaining basil to the orange pepper mixture.
-
37
Spoon it over the aubergines.