A savory and hearty dish made with eggplants stuffed with a flavorful mixture of vegetables, herbs, and optionally ground meat or grains. Perfect as a main or side dish.
Author:slsrecipes
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:40 minutes
Total Time:1 hour
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Mediterranean
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
UnitsScale
2 large eggplants
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 tomato, diced
1/2cup cooked quinoa or rice (optional)
1/2pound ground beef or lentils (optional for vegetarian)
1/4cup grated Parmesan or vegan cheese
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving a 1/2-inch shell. Chop the scooped-out flesh and set aside.
Place eggplant halves on a baking sheet, brush with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and bake for 15 minutes.
Heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
Add chopped eggplant flesh, bell pepper, and tomato. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
Add quinoa or rice and ground beef or lentils (if using). Season with oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until well combined and heated through.
Fill the eggplant shells with the mixture and top with cheese.
Bake for another 20-25 minutes, until the tops are golden and the eggplants are tender.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Use lentils or mushrooms instead of meat for a vegetarian option.
Add pine nuts or raisins for a Mediterranean twist.