Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium eggplants, about 1.5 pounds
- 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes, 28 ounces
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces fresh or shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cut the eggplants into half-inch cubes.
- Place the eggplant cubes in a large colander.
- Sprinkle generously with salt and let sit for 10 minutes to release excess moisture.
- Pat the eggplant cubes dry with paper towels.
- Toss the dried eggplant cubes with 4 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
- Spread the eggplant in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets.
- Roast for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and tender.
- Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth.
- Stir well to combine.
- Add the roasted eggplant cubes to the pot.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Bring the soup to a simmer.
- Cook gently for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Reduce the heat to low.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly.
- Stir in three-quarters of the grated Parmesan cheese and most of the fresh basil.
- Tear the fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces and gently stir it into the hot soup.
- Toast the panko breadcrumbs in a small skillet with a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat for 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or basil if needed.
- Ladle the soup into serving bowls.
- Garnish with toasted breadcrumbs, remaining Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil leaves.
- Serve warm with crusty bread if desired.
Notes
Salt the eggplant before roasting to prevent a watery soup. Add the cream slowly over low heat to keep the soup smooth, and toast the breadcrumbs separately so they stay crisp on top.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350-380
- Sugar: 8-10g
- Sodium: 720-850mg
- Fat: 22-25g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25-28g
- Fiber: 5-6g
- Protein: 14-16g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
