Eggplant and Pork Timbale

Instructions

1. Grease a deep round spring form pan with spray oil
2. Cook the pasta for a few minutes in a saucepan of boiling water, until al dente, drain and rinse with cold water, to prevent from cooking any further and set aside.
3. Place eggplant slices in a colander, sprinkle with salt and leave for 20 mins. Rinse well and then pat dry. Spray a large frying pan or grill pan over a medium high heat with spray oil and cook the eggplant in batches, so that each side is golden. Set aside as you do each slice.
4. Using the same frying pan, spray with some more spray oil and add the onion and garlic and cook until softened. Add the pork mince, carrot, courgette, spices and herbs and cook until lightly browned.
5. Add the passata, tomato paste and stock and season well with salt and pepper. Bring to the boil and then reduce the heat, cover and simmer for approx 30 mins until sauce reduces down and thickens.
6. Combine the meat mixture, with the already prepared macaroni pasta, cheddar cheese, ½ of the parmesan, peas and beaten eggs.
7. Preheat the oven to 180c or 350f.
8. Layer the bottom of the springform pan with some of the eggplant, then start overlapping with the remaining slices so that they go all around the pan.
9. Add the meat and pasta mixture to the eggplant case
10. and then fold the loose pieces of eggplant over the top. Layering on top with any remaining pieces.
11. Sprinkle over the top with the remaining parmesan.
12. Bake in the oven for approx 30-40 mins, or until golden on top. Leave to cool slightly and then loosen the spring form pan and ease out onto a plate.
13. Slice and served with your choice of sides.