Baked Eggplants

Oven-Baked Eggplant Canoes

The autumn season brings us a wealth of vegetables and flavors, and the recipe for oven-baked eggplant canoes is a perfect choice to take advantage of these gifts of nature. This delicious recipe combines fluffy eggplants, succulent chicken meat, and the enticing aromas of spices, offering a healthy and tasty dish, ideal for a family meal or a dinner with friends.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 2 medium eggplants
- 2 chicken thighs (boneless and skinless)
- 2-3 medium tomatoes, diced
- 2 medium onions
- 3-4 garlic cloves
- Olive oil (about 3 tablespoons)
- Dried oregano (1-2 tablespoons, depending on preference)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- Sweet paprika (or hot, depending on preference)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by deboning the chicken thighs, removing the skin and tendons. Cut the meat into small cubes, about 2 cm, then season with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and mix well to ensure all meat cubes are evenly coated. Let the meat rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the spices to penetrate.

2. Preparing the eggplants: Wash the eggplants under cold running water and cut them in half lengthwise. Using a teaspoon, gently scoop out the flesh from inside, leaving about a 1 cm layer. This will form your "canoes" that will hold the delicious filling.

3. Preparing the filling: Peel and finely chop the onions. In a heated pan, add a few tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent (about 5-7 minutes). Add the chicken meat cubes and, after a few minutes, add the scooped-out eggplant flesh. Continue cooking over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently.

4. Garlic and tomatoes: When the meat starts to brown, crush the garlic cloves and add them to the pan. Mix well to release the garlic aroma. In another bowl, mix the diced tomatoes with the remaining eggplant flesh and oregano. This combination will add extra flavor to the dish.

5. Filling the eggplants: Fill each half of the eggplant with the meat mixture, making sure to pack it well. On top, add the tomato mixture with eggplant flesh.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the filled eggplant canoes in a baking dish, drizzle a little olive oil on top, and cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and leave in the oven for another 10-15 minutes to achieve a golden crust.

7. Finishing: If you like cheese, 5 minutes before taking the dish out of the oven, sprinkle some grated cheese on top for a delicious crust.

8. Serving: Let the canoes cool slightly before serving. You can serve them alongside a fresh salad or a garlic yogurt sauce for a refreshing contrast.

Practical tips:
- You can adapt the recipe based on available ingredients. For example, chicken can be replaced with turkey or even a vegetarian option using mushrooms or tofu.
- If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can add some olives or roasted red peppers to the filling.
- Make sure the eggplants are fresh, with smooth and firm skin. This will ensure a pleasant texture for the dish.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken, as well as vitamins and antioxidants from the vegetables. Eggplants are an excellent source of fiber and can contribute to healthy digestion.

Calories: Approximately 300-400 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used and the amount of oil and cheese added.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other vegetables? Absolutely! You can add zucchini, carrots, or even spinach to the filling.
2. How can I store leftovers? The eggplant canoes can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave.
3. What can I pair this dish with? A fresh vegetable salad or a yogurt sauce with mint will perfectly complement this dish.

These oven-baked eggplant canoes are not only a delicious choice but also a creative way to bring vegetables to the forefront. Whether you enjoy them with family or friends, this dish will bring smiles and unforgettable flavors to your table. Enjoy your meal!