Discover a hearty and flavorful dish with this recipe for stuffed eggplant filled with minced meat and topped with a delicious blend of mozzarella and Parmesan. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish combines the robust flavors of seasoned meat with the richness of melted cheese, all nestled within the tender flesh of baked eggplant. It’s a satisfying meal that will surely become a favorite at your table.
Ingredients:
- 1 large eggplant
- Olive oil (for drizzling and cooking)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 500g minced meat (beef, lamb, or a mix)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Fresh dill (for garnish)
- 100g mozzarella, shredded
- 100g Parmesan, grated
Instructions:
- Prepare the Eggplant:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the eggplant in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving a thick border around the edges to create a boat. Chop the scooped-out flesh and set aside.
- Drizzle the eggplant shells with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the eggplant shells on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, or until tender.
- Cook the Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
- Add the minced meat to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
- Stir in the chopped eggplant flesh, bell pepper, diced tomato, and dried basil. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the tomato paste and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Allow to cook for an extra 5 minutes to blend the flavors together.
- Assemble the Eggplants:
- Remove the eggplant shells from the oven.
- Fill each shell with the cooked meat mixture, packing it in well.
- Top the stuffed eggplants with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.
- Bake:
- Return the filled eggplants to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and dill.
- Serve the stuffed eggplants hot, either as a main course or a hearty side dish.
Conclusion:
This savory stuffed eggplant recipe is a delightful way to enjoy the rich flavors of minced meat, vegetables, and cheese all in one dish. The combination of tender eggplant, seasoned meat, and gooey melted cheese creates a comforting and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, this recipe is sure to become a regular on your dinner menu. Enjoy the hearty goodness and impress your family and friends with this delectable dish!