Oven baked aubergine recipe with Meat Balls

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C.

Cut the aubergine lengthways into slices (about half an inch thick). Sprinkle the slices with salt and leave for 15 minutes.

Finely dice the shallots and squeeze the garlic.

Finely chop the herbs.

Fry the shallots and garlic in 2 tablespoons of oil until soft.

Add the tinned tomatoes.

Bring up to the boil and add the chopped herbs. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Pat the aubergine slices dry with kitchen towel and brush them with olive oil. Grill the slices for 5 minutes on a hot grill.

Slice the Meat Balls. Put half of the sauce in an oven proof dish. Place the sliced Meat Balls and the aubergine on top.

Add some Parmesan cheese. Repeat. Sprinkle the top of the dish with grated Parmesan cheese.

Bake for 20 minutes in a hot oven until the top of the dish is nicely browned.

Serve with a fresh salad and some toasted farmers' bread.