Stuffed Eggplants

Stuffed Eggplants – A Delicious Recipe

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Stuffed eggplants are a savory dish that combines the rich flavors and velvety texture of eggplant with a filling of meat and vegetables. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or to impress your guests. Over time, stuffed eggplants have been cherished in many cultures, regarded as a comforting dish full of history and culinary tradition.

Ingredients

- 3 large eggplants
- 250 g pork (or ground beef, according to preference)
- 2 carrots
- 1 onion
- 5 cloves of garlic
- 3 tablespoons rice
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil (or dried)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large tomatoes
- Slices of cheese (optional)
- Sour cream (recommended for serving)

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the eggplants
Start by washing the eggplants thoroughly under cold running water. Cut off the stems, and using a knife or spoon, scoop out the flesh, leaving about a 1 cm thick wall. These "boats" of eggplant will later be filled with the delicious mixture.

2. Blanching the eggplants
Place the eggplants in a pot of boiling water and let them cook for 2-3 minutes. This step helps soften the eggplant and intensifies the flavors. After removing them from the water, place them cut side down on a kitchen towel to drain any excess water.

3. Preparing the filling
- Eggplant flesh: Cut the scooped eggplant flesh into small cubes and pass it through a meat grinder. In a wok, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the eggplant flesh for a few minutes until it turns slightly golden.
- Meat and vegetables: Chop the pork along with the carrots, onion, and garlic. Sauté this mixture in the same pan for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the meat blends perfectly with the vegetable flavors.
- Rice: Cook the rice in salted water, but make sure not to overcook it, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Once done, drain it and mix it with the meat and vegetable mixture.

4. Mixing the filling
In a large bowl, combine the sautéed eggplant flesh, meat mixture, and rice. Add salt, pepper, and finely chopped fresh basil to enhance the flavor. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

5. Filling the eggplants
Fill the eggplant halves with the prepared mixture, ensuring they are well filled but not overloaded.

6. Baking
Place the stuffed eggplant boats in a greased baking dish. Slice the tomatoes thinly and place 2-3 slices on top of each eggplant half. This not only adds a lovely color to the dish but also a fresh, summery taste. Preheat the oven to 175-180°C and bake the eggplants for 30-35 minutes.

7. Finishing the dish
Once baked, you can add cheese slices on top of the eggplants, allowing them to melt for 3-4 minutes in the oven. If you prefer to enjoy the eggplants without cheese, you can skip this step.

8. Serving
Remove the dish from the oven and let the eggplants cool slightly. Serve them warm, accompanied by a spoonful of sour cream, which will add a creamy and delicious touch to the dish.

Useful tips

- Choosing eggplants: Select firm eggplants with smooth, shiny skin. Avoid eggplants with spots or mold.
- Meat: If you don't want to use pork, you can opt for beef or even a vegetarian version using mushrooms or tofu.
- Variations: You can add other vegetables to the filling, such as zucchini or bell peppers, to enhance the flavor. You can also experiment with different herbs, such as oregano or parsley.
- Serving: This dish pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or a garlic yogurt sauce.

Nutritional benefits

Eggplants are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, possessing anti-inflammatory properties and benefits for heart health. By combining them with meat and vegetables, this recipe becomes a balanced dish full of essential nutrients.

Frequently asked questions

- What is the secret to avoiding bitterness in eggplants? It's important to salt the eggplants after scooping them out, letting them sit for 30 minutes. The salt will draw out the bitterness from the eggplants.
- Can I prepare stuffed eggplants in advance? Yes, you can prepare the filling and stuff the eggplants a few hours ahead. Freeze them if you can't bake them immediately to maintain their freshness.
- How can I enhance the flavor of the eggplants? Add a little lemon juice to the filling to intensify the taste.

These stuffed eggplants are a perfect choice for those looking to experiment with healthy and tasty dishes. Whether you serve them at a casual dinner or a special event, they are sure to impress everyone. Enjoy your meal!