Packages with eggplants and meat

Delicious eggplant and meat parcels - a recipe that combines perfect flavors and textures!

Today we embark on a savory recipe that will delight the taste buds of any food lover. These eggplant and meat parcels are a delicious combination of simple yet flavorful ingredients that harmoniously blend to create an extraordinary dish. With a preparation time of about 50 minutes, this recipe is ideal for a family dinner or to impress guests. Let's get started!

Total preparation time:
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 30 minutes
- Total: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 2 large eggplants
- 1-2 onions (depending on preference)
- 1 red bell pepper
- 400 g minced meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
- 2-3 tablespoons rice (preferably long grain)
- 2-3 meaty tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes for a playful look)
- 1 can of tomato juice (about 400 ml)
- Sour cream, for serving (as much as desired)
- Olive oil or sunflower oil, for frying
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (parsley or dill, optional)

Recipe overview:
This eggplant and meat parcels recipe has its roots in a rich culinary tradition, where seasonal ingredients are transformed into delicious and nourishing dishes. The eggplants bring a soft texture, while the minced meat enriches every bite. Together, they create a dish that wins the heart of any meal.

Step by step:
1. Preparing the eggplants: Wash the eggplants well and cut them into slices about 1 cm thick. Sprinkle salt on each slice and let them sit in water for 2 hours. This process helps remove bitterness and improve texture. You can use a strainer or a heavy cutting board to press them down.

2. Removing excess water: After two hours, wipe the eggplant slices with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This step is important as it helps achieve crispy fried eggplants.

3. Frying the eggplants: Heat a little oil in a non-stick skillet and fry the eggplant slices on each side until golden and slightly crispy. Place them on a paper towel to absorb the excess oil.

4. Preparing the filling: Chop the onion and red bell pepper. In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of oil and sauté the onion and pepper for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent. Add the minced meat and cook until it has a crumbly texture. Add the rice and 100 ml of water, mixing well. Let it simmer until the rice is cooked and the sauce has thickened.

5. Assembling the parcels: Place two eggplant slices in a cross, add a spoonful of the meat mixture in the center, and wrap the eggplants to form a parcel. Use a toothpick to secure the parcel so that it does not come apart during cooking.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the parcels in a heat-resistant dish. Mix the tomato juice with the remaining meat and pour it over the parcels. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 30 minutes.

7. Serving: Once the parcels are ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them generously topped with sour cream, alongside a fresh salad or a side of plain rice.

Helpful tips:
- Vegetarian option: Instead of meat, you can use a combination of chopped mushrooms and vegetables to create a delicious and healthy filling.
- Spices: You can add spices like thyme or basil to the meat mixture for an extra flavor boost.
- Serving: These parcels are also excellent cold, so you can prepare them in advance and serve them as an appetizer.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: Each serving contains about 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of oil and sour cream used. Eggplants are rich in antioxidants and fiber, while the meat provides essential proteins.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of meat? Yes, you can experiment with chicken, turkey, or even a mix of meat and fish.
- How can I store the parcels? The parcels can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven to restore their crispy texture.

Possible variations:
- Cheese parcels: Add feta or mozzarella cheese to the filling for a creamier version.
- Add a sauce: Served with yogurt sauce or tzatziki, the parcels become a perfect appetizer for any meal.

Don't hesitate to try this eggplant and meat parcels recipe and enjoy the delicious result! Whether you prepare them for yourself, for family, or for friends, these parcels will bring a smile to everyone's face. Enjoy your meal!