Instructions: Slice the eggplant (but dont peel it) and put into a dish. Sprinkle with salt then cover the eggplant with a weighted-down plate and leave for 30 minutes to remove the eggplants excess juices.

While the eggplant is resting, prepare the fresh tomato sauce. Fry the onion in 1 tablespoon olive oil over a gentle heat until its soft and glossy; allow at least 5 minutes to develop a good flavour. Add tomatoes and water, then simmer for about 40 minutes or until its reduced to a rich tomato sauce. Season to taste with pepper and a tiny pinch salt.

Pour away all the dark juices from the eggplant, then rinse the salt from the slices in clean cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

Dip the eggplant slices in flour then panfry gently in the additional olive oil. Arrange layers of eggplant, tomato sauce and basil in a shallow, ovenproof dish and finish with a layer of mozzarella cheese.

Bake in a hot oven (200 deg C) for about 20 minutes or until bubbling hot.

Serves 4.

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