Ingredients and Weight:
- 8 Japanese eggplants (about 1 pound)
- 1 pound of ground meat (beef or pork)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 beaten egg for binding
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 40 minutes
- Total: 60 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 in a diamond pattern without cutting through the skin.
- In a bowl, mix the ground meat, mozzarella, basil, and tomato sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill the eggplant halves with the meat mixture, and top with beaten egg to help bind.
- Drizzle olive oil on the stuffeds eggplant and wrap in foil.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the skin becomes crispy.
- Serve hot with a side of your choice, such as spaghetti or salad.
Nutritional Information: (per serving)
- Calories: approximately 250-300 calories depending on the ingredients used
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 18-22g (including saturated fat)
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
- Fiber: 3-5g (depending on vegetables served with it)
Dish Characteristics:
- A rich and hearty dish, perfect for colder weather.
- The combination of sweet eggplant, savory meat filling, and crispy skin creates a unique dining experience.
- Customizable dish - you can add or subtract ingredients based on personal preference.
User Comments:
- "Love the combination of flavors! The eggplant is so delicious with the meat filling." - John Doe
- "This dish is a real hit at my house! The crispy skin is my favorite part." - Jane Smith
- "I made this dish for a dinner party and it was a big hit! The preparation was a bit time-consuming but the result was worth it." - Michael Johnson
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Make sure to score the eggplant flesh but not cut through the skin to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
- Use a good quality tomato sauce for better flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
