Baked Eggplant with Savory Meat Filling

Ingredients

• • 2 eggplants
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

• • Sweet paprika
  • Oregano
  • 1 onion, chopped

• • 2 bell peppers, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 0.7 lb (320 g) of minced meat

• Cumin
• Ginger
• Coriander
  • • Chopped parsley
    • 8.8 oz (250 g) of tomato puree
    • 2/3 cup (160 ml) of water
  • 5.3 oz (150 g) of mozzarella, shredded
  • Parmesan, grated

  Directions

  1. Preheat the Oven:

  • Preheat your oven to 356°F (180°C).

  2. Prepare the Eggplants:

  • • Slice eggplants lengthwise about 0.4 inches thick. Set aside.
  • Mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil with salt, garlic powder, pepper, sweet paprika, and oregano.
  • Brush the eggplant slices with the oil mixture on both sides and bake for 20 minutes until tender.

  3. Prepare the Meat Filling:

  • • In a skillet, sauté the onion in olive oil until translucent.
    • Add chopped bell peppers and minced garlic, followed by minced meat.
    • Season the meat with cumin, ginger, and coriander.
  • Once the meat is cooked, stir in chopped parsley, tomato puree, and water. Simmer until the sauce thickens.

  4. Assemble the Dish:

  • • Layer the baked eggplant slices in a baking dish.
  • Top with the meat mixture.
  • Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.

  5. Bake:

  • Bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

  Serving Suggestions

  • • Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
    • Pair with a glass of red wine for an elegant dinner experience.

  Cooking Tips

  • Even Slices: Slice eggplants evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
  • Spice Adjustments: Adjust the amount of spices according to your preference for heat and flavor.

  Nutritional Benefits

  • • Eggplants: Low in calories and rich in fiber and antioxidants.
  • Lean Meat: Provides a good source of protein and essential nutrients.

  Dietary Information

  • • Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
    • Low-Carb: Suitable for low-carb diets.

  Storage Tips

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

  Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Flavorful: A delicious combination of tender eggplant, savory meat, and cheesy topping.