Spiced beef stuffed eggplants
Middle Eastern Spiced Beef Stuffed Eggplants feature tender eggplant shells filled with a richly spiced ground beef mixture, topped with yogurt and crunchy nuts. This dish combines aromatic flavours and textures for a satisfying meal.
Cook time 30 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
4 eggplant3 tbsp olive oil
1 onion
2 garlic cloves
1 tsp dried coriander
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp allspice
18 oz ground beef (80/20%)
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 cup greek yogurt
1 tsp salt
1/3 cup pistachio nuts
1/3 cup pine nuts
Middle Eastern Spiced Beef Stuffed Eggplants are a delightful combination of tender eggplant, richly spiced ground beef, and a mix of crunchy pistachio and pine nuts. This recipe is perfect for those who love exploring diverse and aromatic flavors, combining the exotic spices of the Middle East with fresh, wholesome ingredients.
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Wash the eggplants and cut them in half lengthwise.
- Scoop out the flesh with a spoon, leaving a 1/2-inch border to create a shell. Set the scooped flesh aside, as it will be used later.
- Place the eggplant halves on a baking sheet, brush them with 2 tablespoons of olive oil (reserve 1 tbsp for later), and season with a pinch of salt. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the eggplant shells are tender but still hold their shape.
- While the eggplants are baking, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the dried coriander, ground cumin, and allspice. Cook for another minute to toast the spices.
4. Add the Ground Beef:
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Chop the reserved eggplant flesh and add it to the beef mixture. Continue to cook until the eggplant is soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the lemon juice and season the mixture with salt to taste.
- Remove the baked eggplant shells from the oven.
- Fill each eggplant shell with the beef mixture, pressing it down slightly to ensure it holds together.
- Return the filled eggplant shells to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are slightly browned.
- In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt with a pinch of salt and a tablespoon of lemon juice (optional).
- While the eggplants are baking, toast the pistachio nuts and pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until they are golden brown and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Remove the stuffed eggplants from the oven.
- Drizzle each eggplant with the yogurt sauce and sprinkle with the toasted nuts.
- Serve warm and enjoy these delicious Middle Eastern spiced beef stuffed eggplants!
Enjoy your Middle Eastern Spiced Beef Stuffed Eggplants, an enticing dish full of rich flavors and textures. Serve it with a side of Greek yogurt and perhaps a fresh salad to balance out the rich and aromatic taste. This dish is sure to become a beloved favorite for anyone who tries it.
Spiced beef stuffed eggplants FAQ:
After assembling the stuffed eggplants, return them to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until the tops are slightly browned.
The eggplant shells should be tender but still hold their shape. Bake them for about 20 minutes prior to filling, or until they are easily pierced with a fork.
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or lamb for different flavor profiles. Just ensure to cook it through as per the instructions.
Store leftover stuffed eggplants in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
For this recipe, medium-sized globe or Italian eggplants work best as they provide enough flesh to scoop out and have the right texture for stuffing.
Cooking Tips:
- Choose firm and fresh eggplants for the best texture.
- Be sure to cook the beef thoroughly until it’s well browned for a deeper flavor.
- You can toast the pistachio and pine nuts before adding them to the mix for a more robust nutty flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding in a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the meat.
- For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the ground beef with lentils or a blend of mushrooms and walnuts.
- Let the stuffed eggplants rest for a few minutes after baking to help flavors meld together.
Nutrition Facts
4 ServingsCalories 630kcal
Protein 33g
Carbohydrates 33g
Fiber 13g
Sugar 18g
Fat 55g
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