Description
Scrumptious mediterranean stuffed eggplants emerge as a delightful culinary journey through Greece’s rich flavors. Savory herbs, fragrant spices, and hearty vegetables combine to create a meal that connects you with Mediterranean tradition.
Ingredients
Scale
- 250 g (8.8 oz) ground beef
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 2 large eggplants
- 1 can chopped/diced tomatoes (411 g, 14.5 oz)
- 2 tbsps extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsps chopped basil or parsley
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 170°C, creating an optimal cooking environment for Mediterranean stuffed eggplants.
- Eggplant Preparation: Slice eggplants lengthwise, creating perfect vessels for the flavorful filling. Massage with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
- Roasting Phase: Place eggplant halves in preheated oven, roasting for 20-30 minutes until softened and caramelized, developing a rich exterior.
- Filling Creation: Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Sauté onions, red peppers, and garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef (or mushrooms), browning thoroughly and creating a rich base.
- Sauce Development: Introduce diced tomatoes and herbs to the pan, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Simmer the mixture, reducing to create a thick, concentrated sauce that intensifies flavor profiles.
- Final Assembly: Spoon the robust filling into roasted eggplant halves, ensuring even distribution. Generously top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Finishing Touch: Return stuffed eggplants to the oven, grilling until cheese melts into a golden, bubbling crown. Serve immediately to preserve the vibrant Mediterranean flavors and textures.
Notes
- Prep Efficiently: Slice and salt eggplant beforehand to remove bitterness and moisture, enhancing overall dish texture.
- Control Moisture: Pat eggplant dry after salting to prevent soggy filling and ensure crisp, caramelized edges.
- Protein Flexibility: Swap ground beef with plant-based alternatives like lentils or mushrooms for diverse dietary needs.
- Cheese Tip: Use freshly grated mozzarella for superior melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg