Stuffed Eggplants

Stuffed Eggplants with Vegetables - A Delicacy for Any Meal

Stuffed eggplants are an excellent choice to bring a touch of flavor to your meals. This dish is not only delicious but can also be a great way to preserve vegetables for winter. The rich filling, combined with tender and juicy eggplants, makes this recipe a must-have on your table, especially alongside a juicy steak. I invite you to discover the steps to achieve the best stuffed eggplants, as well as some useful tips and variations to customize the recipe to your taste.

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
- Number of servings: Approximately 10 servings

Ingredients
For eggplants:
- 10 kg small, ripe eggplants

For filling:
- 1.5 kg carrots
- 2 medium celery roots
- 2 medium beets
- 2 kg bell peppers (or meaty capia peppers)
- 10 hot peppers
- 2 medium red cabbages (approximately 1 kg)
- 2 medium white cabbages (approximately 1 kg)
- 3-4 heads of garlic
- 2 tablespoons coarse salt
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- Mustard seeds

For blanching liquid:
- 5-6 l water
- A handful of coarse salt

For preserving liquid:
- 1 l vinegar
- 2 l water
- 3 tablespoons coarse salt
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- Peppercorns
- Bay leaves

For tying:
- Long celery stalks, blanched

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the Eggplants:
Choose small, well-ripened eggplants. Remove the leaves and cut off the stems, then wash them thoroughly. Use a knife to make shallow cuts on the sides to allow the filling to penetrate well.

2. Blanching the Eggplants:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. When the water starts to bubble, add the eggplants and let them cook for 10-15 minutes until they become soft. Carefully remove them and let them drain on a clean towel.

3. Preparing the Filling:
Peel and grate the carrots, celery, and beets. Cut the bell peppers and hot peppers into thin strips. Chop the red and white cabbages, and clean the garlic, cutting it finely. Mix all the vegetables in a large bowl and add salt, sugar, and mustard seeds. Mix the ingredients well.

4. Preparing the Blanching Liquid:
In another pot, combine water, vinegar, salt, sugar, peppercorns, and bay leaves. Boil the mixture for 5 minutes, then let it cool.

5. Filling the Eggplants:
Fill each eggplant with the vegetable mixture, then tie them with celery stalks to keep the filling inside. Place the eggplants in a 3 or 5-liter jar, tightly packed, one on top of the other.

6. Preserving:
Pour the cooled liquid over the stuffed eggplants until they are completely covered. Seal the jars and store them in a cool place, such as a cellar or pantry.

Useful Tips and Tricks
- Choosing Ingredients: Select small eggplants, which are more tender and flavorful. Check for firmness to ensure freshness.
- Customizing the Filling: You can add other vegetables to the filling, such as zucchini or peas. Additionally, you can include spices like cumin or coriander for a more intense flavor.
- Preserving Leftover Filling: If you have leftover filling, don’t throw it away! You can preserve it in jars with vinegar liquid or serve it as a salad alongside other dishes.
- Serving: These stuffed eggplants are delicious served warm, but can also be enjoyed cold. They pair well with grilled meat or a fresh salad.

Nutritional Benefits
This recipe is rich in vitamins and minerals due to the variety of vegetables used. Eggplants are an excellent source of fiber, aiding digestion, while carrots and beets are high in antioxidants. Additionally, it is a hearty dish that can be included in various diets.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other vegetables? Of course! You can adapt the filling to your preferences or based on what vegetables you have available.
- Can stuffed eggplants be frozen? It is recommended not to freeze stuffed eggplants, as the texture may change. It is better to preserve them in jars.
- How can I tell if the eggplants are cooked enough? The eggplants should be soft but not overly so, to avoid falling apart.

Variations and Serving
Instead of just using eggplants, you can try the same filling with bell peppers or zucchini. You can also add feta or telemea cheese to the filling for a richer taste. These stuffed eggplants pair perfectly with Greek yogurt or a tomato salad.

Stuffed eggplants are not only a delicious recipe but also a wonderful way to preserve the flavors of summer for the colder days. So, don’t hesitate to try this recipe and enjoy every bite!