Stuffed Eggplants

Stuffed Eggplants with Cheese: A Delicious and Comforting Recipe

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of Servings: 4

In the culinary world, stuffed eggplants with cheese are a true treasure, combining the delicate texture of the eggplants with the intense and hearty flavor of the cheeses. This recipe is not only simple but also extremely versatile, offering limitless possibilities for adaptation and personalization. I will present the necessary steps to create these delicious "boats" and provide some useful tips for achieving a perfect result.

Ingredients for 4 people
- 4 suitable eggplants, preferably soft and seedless
- 150 g grated yellow cheese (such as Gouda or Cheddar)
- 150 g salty cheese (such as Telemea or Bulgarian cheese)
- 150 g cottage cheese
- 300 g cheese with 9% fat
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- A pinch of za'atar (a fragrant herb blend)
- Olive oil, for greasing

Preparing Stuffed Eggplants with Cheese: Step by Step

1. Preparing the Eggplants
Start by washing the eggplants under a stream of cold water to remove impurities. Then, cut them in half lengthwise. Use a sharp knife to lightly score the flesh of the eggplants, being careful not to cut all the way through. This technique allows the eggplants to cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the filling.

2. Baking the Eggplants
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the eggplants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cut side up. Brush them with a drizzle of olive oil, which will help caramelize the exterior and develop flavors. Bake the eggplants for about 30 minutes, or until the flesh becomes soft and easy to scoop out with a spoon.

3. Preparing the Filling
Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Grate all the cheeses (yellow cheese, salty cheese, cottage cheese, and cheese with 9% fat) and mix them in a large bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste, but be mindful of the amount of salt, as the salty cheese can already be quite salty. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or za'atar for an extra flavor boost.

4. Filling the Eggplants
Once the eggplants have cooled slightly, carefully scoop out the flesh, taking care not to destroy their shape. Cut the flesh into small pieces and add it to the cheese mixture. Mix all the ingredients well until combined.

5. Finalizing and Baking
Stuff each half of the eggplant with the cheese filling, pressing gently to ensure that the filling doesn’t fall out. Place the stuffed eggplants back on the parchment-lined baking sheet and return them to the oven for another 20 minutes, or until the filling becomes lightly golden.

6. Serving
Remove the eggplants from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These stuffed eggplant "boats" are delicious not only warm but also at room temperature. For an added freshness, serve them alongside a salad of fresh vegetables, which will provide a crunchy and refreshing contrast.

Useful Tips:
- If you enjoy stronger flavors, you can add crushed garlic to the filling. This will provide a more intense taste and perfectly complement the cheeses.
- You can experiment with different types of cheese based on your preferences. Feta cheese or goat cheese can add an interesting note.
- If you want a richer vegetarian option, you can add sautéed vegetables (such as mushrooms or zucchini) to the cheese mixture.

Nutritional Information:
Eggplants are high in fiber and low in calories, making them an ideal ingredient for healthy meals. Combining them with cheeses provides a good source of protein and calcium. Each serving contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the type of cheese used.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use other vegetables instead of eggplants?
Yes, you can use zucchini or bell peppers, but the baking time will vary.

2. How can I store these stuffed eggplants?
They can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Simple, yet delicious when reheated!

3. What can I serve with these eggplants?
They pair excellently with a green salad or a yogurt sauce with dill.

So, get ready to enjoy a simple yet extremely tasty recipe. Stuffed eggplants with cheese are a perfect choice for a cozy dinner or a festive meal. Don’t forget to savor them with your loved ones! Enjoy!