Eggplant Bake with Chicken, Mushrooms, and Cheese

Eggplant Bake with Chicken, Mushrooms, and Cheese

Ingredients

• • Eggplants: 2
  • Salt: to taste
  • Olive oil: for drizzling

• • Vegetable oil: for sautéing
  • Onion: 1, chopped
  • Garlic: 1 clove, minced

• • Chicken fillet: 1, diced
  • Mushrooms: 150 grams, sliced
  • Bell pepper: 1, chopped

• • Black pepper: to taste
  • Paprika: to taste
  • Cheese: 150 grams, grated

• • Yogurt: 2 tablespoons
  • Mustard: 1 tablespoon
  • Dill: fresh or dried, to taste

• Cucumber: 1/2, sliced for garnish

Directions

1. 1. Prepare the Eggplants: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise and scoop out the pulp. Sprinkle with salt and let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Rinse and pat dry.

1. 1. Roast the Eggplants: Place the eggplant halves on a baking tray, drizzle with olive oil, and roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
   2. Cook the Filling: In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Add the minced garlic and diced chicken fillet, cooking until the chicken is browned. Stir in the sliced mushrooms and chopped bell pepper. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook until the mushrooms are tender.
   3. Combine the Filling: Remove the skillet from heat. Mix in the eggplant pulp into the chicken and vegetable mixture.

1. 1. Assemble the Bake: Remove the roasted eggplants from the oven and fill each half with the chicken and mushroom mixture. Top with grated cheese.
   2. Bake Again: Return the filled eggplants to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   3. Prepare the Sauce: While the bake is cooking, combine the yogurt, mustard, and dill in a small bowl.

1. Serve: Remove the eggplants from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Garnish with sliced cucumber and serve with the yogurt sauce on the side.

Serving Suggestions

• • Serve with a fresh salad for a complete meal.

• Pair with crusty bread to soak up the delicious flavors.
• Great as leftovers or a meal prep option for the week.

Cooking Tips

• Feel free to substitute chicken with turkey or a plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.
• Experiment with different vegetables in the filling for added flavor and nutrition.

Nutritional Benefits

• Eggplants are low in calories and rich in fiber, making this dish a healthy option.
• The addition of mushrooms and chicken provides protein and essential nutrients.

Dietary Information

• This recipe is gluten-free.
• Can be made dairy-free by using dairy-free cheese alternatives.