Cook the News

Today’s dishes, from the headlines.

Sunday 15 November 2026

Last cooked 22:00


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The Propaganda Pillar

Based on:

TypeSide dish

Serves4 people

DateNovember 10, 2026

Stacked eggplant and tomato form a broadcast tower with a sharp filling – neat outside, stinging inside.

This side dish features layers of roasted eggplant and tomato, stacked into a sleek, upright column: the recognizable silhouette of a broadcast tower. Polished and neat outside, but with a sharp, spicy filling that stings unexpectedly. A nod to the powerful news channel and its controversial influence.

Ingredients

  • 2 large eggplants
  • 4 large vine tomatoes
  • 1 red onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 red chili pepper
  • 100 g feta cheese
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • salt and pepper
  • fresh basil (for garnish)

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C.
  2. Cut the eggplants into thick slices of 1.5 cm. Slice the tomatoes just as thick.
  3. Place the eggplant and tomato slices on a baking tray, drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes until soft.
  4. Finely chop the onion, garlic, and chili. Sauté in 2 tbsp olive oil until translucent.
  5. Add the paprika and briefly fry. Remove from heat, stir in feta and lemon juice for a spicy filling.
  6. On each plate, build a column by alternating eggplant and tomato slices, adding a spoonful of the feta mixture between each layer.
  7. Press the stack gently so it stands firm and resembles a broadcast tower silhouette.
  8. Garnish with fresh basil on top as the 'antenna head'.

Serving notes

  • Serve upright on a white plate for maximum recognizability.
  • Place the pillar in the center and keep the rest of the plate empty for the best silhouette.
  • Drizzle with extra lemon juice just before serving for a fresh, sharp touch.