Ingredients and Weight:
- 2 medium eggplants (about 200-250g each)
- 1 pound ground meat (beef or pork)
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as basil or oregano)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying
- Seasoning sauce: 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 cup water
Preparation Time:
45 minutes (preparation time only, does not include cooking time)
Cooking Time:
30-40 minutes
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Slice the eggplants in half lengthwise. Score the flesh lightly without going through the skin to help absorb flavors.
- In a bowl, mix the ground meat, onions, garlic, salt, egg, herbs, and cooked rice. Form small meatballs with the mixture.
- Stuff the eggplant halves with the meatballs.
- In a baking dish, arrange the stuffed eggplant and drizzle with olive oil.
- Combine the seasoning sauce ingredients and pour over the eggplant.
- Cover and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the eggplant is tender and the meat is cooked through.
- Serve hot with a side of your choice (such as steamed rice or roasted vegetables).
Nutritional Information:
(Nutritional information may vary depending on the exact ingredients used)
- Calories: Depending on the amount of meat and rice used, the dish can range from approximately 300-400 calories per serving.
- Protein: From meat and rice.
- Fat: From meat and olive oil.
- Carbohydrates: From rice and eggplant.
- Fiber: From vegetables and herbs.
Dish Characteristics:
- The dish combines the rich flavor of meat with the subtle taste of eggplant, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.
- The dish is suitable for American taste due to its use of tomato-based seasoning sauce and herbs commonly used in American cooking.
- The dish is also gluten-friendly if using gluten-free ingredients like rice and herbs.
User Comments:
- "The dish was delicious! The combination of flavors was perfect." - John Doe
- "I loved the texture of the eggplant cooked this way, it was so tender." - Jane Smith
- "This dish was a hit with my family, will definitely make it again." - Michael Johnson
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Be careful not to overstuff the eggplant, as it may split during baking.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor. If unavailable, dried herbs can be used but may affect the flavor slightly.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste preference. Add more salt or seasoning sauce if desired.
