Shared by Annette Fromm
Shared by Annette Fromm
Patrigian mi Tiri (Eggplant and Cheese Casserole)
Yield: 4-6 servingsTime: 2 h
Patrigian mi Tiri (Eggplant and Cheese Casserole)
Yield: 4-6 servingsTime: 2 hFamily Journey
Ioannina, GreeceNew York CityProvidence, RI
PittsburghColumbus and Cleveland, OHTulsa and Norman, OK
Miami BeachLopez Island, WA
This recipe comes from Annette Fromm's family who are Romaniote Jews — though Annette prefers the term Greek-speaking Jews — who arrived in Greece over 2000 years ago. This dish, she says, is unique to the community and Annette describes it as similar to moussaka, but without meat.
In Annette's family it is traditional to boil the eggplants but feel free to roast them instead, if you prefer.
Read more about Annette's family in "A Jewish-Greek Eggplant Recipe That Found Its Way to Jamaica and Beyond" and try her recipe for okra with tomatoes.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 2 large eggplants, about 1 ½ pounds
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 24 ounces (3 cups) cottage cheese
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped feta
- ¼ cup matzo meal
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- 2 eggs
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat the oven at 350 degrees. Bring a large pot of water with 3 tablespoons of salt to boil. And, lightly grease a 10 to 12 inch round pie pan or baking dish with oil.
Step 2
Trim off the eggplant tops, then cut in half lengthwise. Cut each of the halves into quarters crosswise. Add to the pot of boiling water, and cook for 10 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.
Step 3
In a mixing bowl, combine the cheeses, matzo meal, 1 ½ teaspoons of salt, pepper, and eggs. Mix well with a spatula or fork to eliminate any lumps.
Step 4
Once the eggplant is cool enough to handle, gently scoop out the meat from the skin, leaving the skin pieces about ½ inch thick. Line the bottom of the baking dish with skin pieces, peel side down.
Step 5
Dice the eggplant meat into small pieces. Add it to the mixing bowl with the cheeses, add 1 teaspoon of salt and combine well. Then, spread the mixture evenly into the pie pan.
Step 6
Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, until the top is a golden brown. Serve hot or cold.
