Savor the rich flavors of Meat-Stuffed Eggplants, a delicious and hearty dish perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines tender eggplant boats filled with a savory mixture of pork, beef, herbs, and spices, all topped with melted cheese and served with a creamy garlic-dill sour cream sauce. Let’s dive into this flavorful and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Eggplants:
- Eggplants – 1.5 kg
- Fatty pork – 500 g
- Beef – 500 g
- Onion – 300 g
- Cilantro – 20 g
- Parsley – 20 g
- Garlic – 4 cloves
- Ground tomatoes – 300 g
- Hot chili pepper – 1 piece
- Dried basil – 0.5 tsp
- Dried mint – 0.5 tsp
- Dried marjoram – 0.5 tsp
- Ground coriander – 0.5 tsp
- Sweet ground paprika – 1 tsp
- Black pepper – 0.5 tsp
- Salt to taste
- Cheese – 400 g
For the Sauce:
- Sour cream – 400 g
- Dill – 15 g
- Garlic – 2 cloves
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Eggplants
- Cut and Scoop:
- Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh to create boats. Set the flesh aside.
- Draw Out Bitterness:
- Sprinkle the eggplant halves with salt and let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out the bitterness. Rinse and pat dry.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Chop Ingredients:
- Finely chop the onion, garlic, cilantro, parsley, and the scooped-out eggplant flesh.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic:
- In a large skillet, heat some oil and sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
- Cook the Meat:
- Add the chopped eggplant flesh, pork, and beef to the skillet. Cook until the meat is browned and the mixture is well combined.
- Add Seasonings and Tomatoes:
- Stir in the ground tomatoes, hot chili pepper, dried basil, dried mint, dried marjoram, ground coriander, sweet ground paprika, black pepper, and salt. Cook for a few more minutes until the mixture is well blended and aromatic.
Step 3: Stuff the Eggplants
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Fill the Eggplants:
- Fill each eggplant half with the prepared meat mixture, pressing down to compact the filling.
- Place the stuffed eggplants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 4: Bake the Eggplants
- Add Cheese:
- Grate the cheese and sprinkle it generously over the stuffed eggplants.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until the eggplants are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
- Chop Dill and Garlic:
- Finely chop the dill and garlic.
- Mix the Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix the sour cream with the chopped dill and garlic. Season with salt to taste.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve Hot:
- Serve the meat-stuffed eggplants hot, with a side of the garlic-dill sour cream sauce.
Tips for Success
- Bitterness Removal: Don’t skip the step of salting and resting the eggplants to draw out the bitterness.
- Even Cooking: Ensure the meat filling is well-cooked and mixed before stuffing the eggplants to enhance the flavors.
- Cheese Variety: Use a cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend for a richer taste.
Health Benefits
This dish provides a balanced meal with protein from the meat, fiber from the eggplants, and vitamins from the herbs. Using fresh ingredients and herbs enhances the nutritional value and flavor of the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use other types of meat?
A: Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute for a different flavor and texture.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover stuffed eggplants in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven before serving.
Q: Can I prepare this dish in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the filling and stuff the eggplants ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator and bake them just before serving.
Q: What can I serve with this dish?
A: This dish pairs well with a fresh salad, crusty bread, or a side of rice or couscous.
Meat-Stuffed Eggplants are a delicious and hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With their rich flavors and satisfying texture, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this flavorful dish and explore more of our recipes for additional culinary inspiration!