Ingredients and Weight:
- Eggplant - 500 grams (about 1 pound)
- Spaghetti - 500 grams (cooked weight will vary)
- Ground Beef - 500 grams
- Onion - 1 large, chopped
- Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
- Tomato Sauce - 1 jar (250-300 grams)
- Italian Seasoning - 2 teaspoons
- Salt - 1 teaspoon
- Sugar - 1 tablespoon
- Black Olives - for topping (optional)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 30 minutes
- Cooking: 45-60 minutes
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Slice the eggplant into 1/2-inch thick rounds and arrange on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until tender and slightly browned.
- Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to package directions.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the onion and garlic until fully cooked.
- Add the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and sugar. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Remove the eggplant from the oven and let cool slightly before adding it to the sauce along with the cooked spaghetti.
- Toss gently to combine and serve topped with black olives (if desired).
Nutritional Information:
(Based on average values, may vary depending on specific ingredients used)
Calories: Approximately 700-800 per serving (based on the amount of meat and additional toppings)
Fat: 30-40 grams
Carbohydrates: 80-90 grams
Protein: 30-40 grams
Dish Characteristics:
- Creative fusion of Italian and American flavors.
- Rich and hearty, perfect for colder weather.
- Eggplant adds a unique, slightly sweet flavor to the traditional spaghetti dish.
User Comments:
- "The eggplant gave this dish a unique flavor profile that my family really enjoyed."
- "I added some chili flakes for a kick of heat, which went really well with the sweet eggplant."
- "The combination of ground beef and tomato sauce is a classic, but the addition of eggplant made it special."
- "I served this as a main course for a family gathering and it was a hit!"
- "Very hearty dish, would definitely make again."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- When baking the eggplant, make sure to slice it uniformly thin so that it cooks evenly.
- Use a good quality tomato sauce for best results.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, adding more salt or Italian seasoning if desired.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the ground beef and increase the amount of eggplant and tomato sauce.
