Turkish-Style Stuffed Eggplant: A Flavorful and Hearty Dish
Ingredients
- 500 g (½ kg) minced meat
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 eggplants
- Coriander, to taste
- Mustard powder, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- Vegetable oil (for cooking)
Preparation
1. Preparing the Eggplants
Start by washing the 4 eggplants thoroughly and drying them with a kitchen towel. Remove the ends of the eggplants, and make several superficial cuts or slits along the skin. These cuts will allow the flavors of the stuffing to penetrate the eggplant during cooking, ensuring that every bite is infused with deliciousness.
2. Preparing the Minced Meat Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine 500 g of minced meat with 1 finely chopped onion. The onion adds sweetness and moisture to the filling, balancing the richness of the meat.
Add 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise to the mixture. The mayonnaise helps to bind the ingredients together and keeps the meat tender during cooking.
Season the meat mixture with coriander, mustard powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. These spices add depth and warmth to the dish, giving the stuffing a rich, aromatic flavor. Mix everything together thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined.
3. Stuffing the Eggplants
Take the prepared eggplants and garnish them with the meat mixture. Press the mixture firmly into the cuts and slits you made in the eggplants, ensuring that the stuffing is evenly distributed.
Once stuffed, drizzle the eggplants with a little vegetable oil and sprinkle them with a pinch of salt. The oil will help the eggplants brown nicely, while the salt enhances their natural flavor.
4. Browning the Eggplants
Heat a large pan over medium heat and add a little vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, place the stuffed eggplants in the pan. Brown the eggplants for about 1 minute on each side. This step helps to seal in the flavors and gives the eggplants a beautiful golden color.
5. Baking the Eggplants
After browning, transfer the eggplants to a baking dish. Arrange them upright or on their sides, depending on what fits best in your dish.
Place the baking dish in an oven preheated to 180°C (350°F) and bake for about 30 minutes. The eggplants should be tender, and the meat stuffing should be fully cooked and flavorful. The baking process allows the eggplants to absorb the flavors of the stuffing while softening to a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
6. Serving the Stuffed Eggplants
Once cooked, remove the eggplants from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These Stuffed Eggplants with Minced Meat can be served as a main dish, accompanied by rice, bread, or a fresh salad. The combination of tender eggplant, savory meat, and aromatic spices makes this dish a hearty and satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information
- Servings: Approximately 4 portions
- Calories per serving: 300 kcal
- Total Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Dietary Fiber: 3 g
- Sugars: 5 g
- Protein: 20 g
Conclusion
This Turkish-inspired Stuffed Eggplant dish is a fantastic way to enjoy the rich flavors of minced meat combined with the tender, slightly sweet flesh of eggplant. The simple preparation and the use of aromatic spices make this dish both accessible and impressive. Serve it to friends and family, and watch as they savor each delicious bite. This recipe is a wonderful example of how eggplant can be transformed into a dish that’s truly tastier than meat!