Stuffed eggplants and smoked cheese

Stuffed eggplants with smoked cheese – a dream recipe!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Who doesn't love a meal that combines the intense flavors of fresh vegetables with a touch of smoked cheese? Stuffed eggplants with smoked cheese are a perfect choice for a delicious dinner, but also an attractive option for festive meals. This recipe is inspired by culinary traditions, where each ingredient plays its role, contributing to an explosion of flavors that will delight your taste buds.

Necessary ingredients:
- 1-2 medium-sized eggplants
- 1 smoked homemade sausage (preferably made from pork, but you can also use chicken for a lighter taste)
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 meaty tomato
- 1 red onion
- 100 g black olives (preferably pitted)
- A few sprigs of fresh dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
- 100 g smoked cheese (or another cheese with a strong flavor)

Step by step to get the tastiest stuffed eggplants:

1. Preparing the eggplants: Start by washing the eggplants well under cold running water. Then, cut them in half lengthwise and, using a spoon, scoop out the insides, leaving about 1 cm of flesh on the skin. This will help maintain their shape and add extra flavor. The scooped-out flesh will be used for the filling.

2. Preparing the filling: Chop the eggplant flesh, bell pepper, and red onion into small pieces. If you want a finer texture, you can use a food processor. Heat a little olive oil in a pan over medium heat and add the onion. Sauté until it becomes translucent, then add the eggplant flesh and bell pepper. Sauté everything for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables soften.

3. Adding the meat and vegetables: Cut the smoked sausage into small pieces and add it to the pan, cooking it together with the vegetables. After a few minutes, add the chopped tomatoes and sliced olives. Season with salt and pepper to taste and let the mixture cook until the flavors meld, about 10 minutes.

4. Filling the eggplants: Fill each half of the eggplant with the vegetable and sausage mixture, making sure they are well packed. On top, sprinkle a generous layer of smoked cheese, which will melt beautifully during baking.

5. Baking the eggplants: Place the stuffed eggplants in a baking dish lined with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleaning easier later. Bake them in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 30-35 minutes or until the eggplants are tender and the cheese is nicely browned.

6. Serving: Once the eggplants are ready, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle fresh dill on top for an extra touch of freshness and flavor. These stuffed eggplants can be served warm as a main dish or as an appetizer.

Useful tips:
- If you want a vegetarian version, you can replace the sausage with smoked tofu or mushrooms.
- Experiment with other vegetables, adding zucchini or carrots for a more colorful filling.
- For an even more intense flavor, you can add spices like sweet or hot paprika, oregano, or basil to the filling.

Nutritional information:
This stuffed eggplant recipe contains approximately 350 calories per serving, making it a healthy choice due to the fresh vegetables and natural ingredients. Eggplants are rich in antioxidants, and the smoked cheese provides calcium and protein necessary for the body.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of cheese? Absolutely! You can experiment with goat cheese or mozzarella, depending on your preferences.
2. What side dish goes well with stuffed eggplants? A green salad with lemon and olive oil would be perfect to balance the flavors.
3. Can I prepare this recipe in advance? Yes, you can stuff the eggplants a day in advance and bake them before serving.

So, don't hesitate! Try this delicious recipe for stuffed eggplants with smoked cheese and enjoy a tasty meal that will impress both family and friends! Cooking is an art, and this recipe will surely bring you great satisfaction. Enjoy your meal!