Description
Stuffed Eggplant is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the tender, creamy flesh of eggplant with a savory filling of vegetables, grains, or meats, all baked to perfection. This versatile dish can be served as a side or a main course and is perfect for vegetarians, but can easily be adapted for meat lovers as well. Whether you fill it with a tomato-based mixture, a grain like quinoa or couscous, or a hearty meat filling, Stuffed Eggplant is a nutritious and flavorful option for any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 cup cooked quinoa (or couscous, rice, or breadcrumbs)
1/2 cup chopped fresh tomatoes (or canned diced tomatoes)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup grated cheese (parmesan, mozzarella, or feta)
Fresh herbs for garnish (such as basil, parsley, or oregano)
Instructions
For the cauliflower crust:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving about a 1/2-inch border. You can use a spoon or melon baller to carefully remove the flesh, but make sure to leave enough around the edges so the skins stay intact for stuffing. Chop the scooped-out eggplant flesh into small pieces and set aside.
- Roast the eggplant shells: Place the eggplant halves on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast the eggplant halves in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they are tender and lightly browned. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Make the filling: While the eggplant halves are roasting, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic, bell pepper, zucchini, and chopped eggplant flesh to the skillet, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
- Season the filling: Stir in the cooked quinoa (or couscous, rice, or breadcrumbs), chopped tomatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Stuff the eggplants: Once the eggplant halves are roasted and the filling is ready, spoon the filling into each eggplant half, packing it tightly. Sprinkle the stuffed eggplants with grated cheese.
- Bake the stuffed eggplants: Return the stuffed eggplants to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the filling is heated through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve warm. You can also drizzle with a bit of olive oil or a dollop of yogurt for added richness.
Notes
- Feel free to add more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or artichoke hearts to the filling.
- For a meatier version, try adding cooked ground beef, turkey, or chicken to the filling.
- For a vegan version, use vegan cheese and replace the quinoa with lentils for a protein-rich filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Main course, Side dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed half
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg