Description
A roasted eggplant “boat” filled with a flavorful minced meat mixture, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This dish is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Serve it as a main course or a hearty side dish, garnished with fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.
Ingredients
For the Eggplant:
- 1 large eggplant
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
For the Filling:
- 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
For the Topping:
- 100g mozzarella, shredded
- 100g Parmesan, grated
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Fresh dill (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Eggplant:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the eggplant in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh to create a boat, leaving a thick border. Chop the scooped-out flesh and set aside.
- Drizzle the eggplant shells with olive oil, and season with salt and black pepper.
- Place the eggplant shells on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, or until tender.
2. Cook the Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, and sauté until fragrant and softened.
- Add minced meat and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Stir in the chopped eggplant flesh, bell pepper, tomato, and dried basil. Cook until the vegetables soften.
- Mix in the tomato paste, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
3. Assemble the Eggplants:
- Remove the eggplant shells from the oven.
- Fill each shell with the meat mixture, packing it tightly.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.
4. Bake:
- Return the filled eggplants to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and dill.
- Serve hot as a main course or side dish.
Notes
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling and bake the eggplant shells in advance. Assemble and bake with cheese when ready to serve.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the minced meat with plant-based alternatives or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Cheese Options: Feta, cheddar, or Gouda can be substituted for mozzarella and Parmesan if desired.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean