the_information_nexus/food_related/stuffed_eggplant.md

Stuffed Eggplant Recipe

Ingredients

For the eggplant:

• 2 medium eggplants
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano

For the filling:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 bell peppers, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 300g minced meat (beef or lamb)
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 2 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped
• 250g tomato puree
• 150ml water
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the topping:

• 150g mozzarella cheese, grated
• 60g Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Prepare the eggplants:

   • Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise.
   • Score the flesh in a diamond pattern, being careful not to cut through the skin.
   • Brush with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
   • Place on a baking sheet, cut side up, and bake for about 20 minutes until softened.

3. While the eggplants are baking, prepare the filling:

   • Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
   • Sauté the onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.
   • Add peppers and garlic, cook for another 3 minutes.
   • Add the minced meat, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
   • Stir in paprika, cumin, ginger, and fresh coriander.
   • Add tomato puree and water. Simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Assemble the dish:

   • Remove eggplants from the oven and let cool slightly.
   • Gently scoop out some of the flesh, leaving a border around the edges.
   • Chop the scooped flesh and mix it into the meat filling.
   • Fill the eggplant halves with the meat mixture.

5. Add the topping:

   • Mix the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
   • Sprinkle the cheese mixture over the filled eggplants.
   • Sprinkle with dried oregano and drizzle with olive oil.

6. Final baking:

   • Return the stuffed eggplants to the oven.
   • Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.

Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Stuffed Eggplant!