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