RECIPE FROM SPAIN:

Aubergines with Serrano Ham

This is one of the best tapas I know, the finest Spanish produce available are combined to make a sumptuous, tender dish.

You will need:

1 large aubergine
3 ripe tomatoes
8 - 10 slices of Serrano Ham
150g grated cheese
Generous bunch of fresh oregano, finely chopped
Olive oil
Salt

Method

• Prepare the tomato sauce by roughly chopping the tomatoes, place in a pan with a pinch of salt and cook on a medium heat for about half an hour until the tomatoes reduce. For a smooth sauce, you can blend the tomatoes with a hand blender before cooking.

• Wash the aubergine and then cut lengthways into thick slices.

• Place the aubergine slices onto a serving dish, sprinkle with salt and then leave for half an hour.

• When the tomato sauce is cooked, turn off the heat. Pat the aubergine slices dry and fry on both sides in a little olive oil until tender.

• Place tinfoil onto a baking tray and oil lightly. Lay the aubergines onto the tray and spread the tomato sauce onto each slice.

• Put a slice or two of Serrano ham on top of the aubergines, sprinkle with cheese and then with the oregano.

• Cook under a hot grill until the cheese melts.

• Serve whilst hot.

Serves 4