Ingredients:
2 eggplants (about 600 grams or 1.3 pounds)
2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried garlic
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon oregano
2 tomatoes (about 300 grams or 10.5 ounces)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 onion (about 100 grams or 3.5 ounces)
2 garlic cloves
1 1/4 cups (300 grams) ground meat
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1 bell pepper (about 120 grams or 4.2 ounces)
1 tablespoon ketchup
2 cups (200 grams) cheese, shredded
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2 tablespoons yogurt
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 garlic clove
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped.
Directions:
Prepare the Eggplants:
Slice the eggplants and place them on a baking sheet.
Brush with olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, dried garlic, paprika, and oregano.
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes.
Prepare the Tomatoes:
Pour boiling water over the tomatoes for 5 minutes, then peel and dice them.
Prepare the Filling:
Heat vegetable oil in a pan.
Finely chop the onion and 2 garlic cloves and sauté in the pan.
Add the ground meat and cook thoroughly.
Add the diced bell pepper and tomatoes, mixing well.
Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Stir in 1 tablespoon of ketchup.
Stuff and Bake:
Top the baked eggplant slices with the ground meat mixture.
Sprinkle cheese on top.
Bake in the oven for another 10 minutes at 180°C (350°F) until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Prepare the Yogurt-Mayo Sauce:
Mix 2 tablespoons of yogurt, 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise, and 1 finely chopped garlic clove in a bowl.
Finely chop the dill and add to the sauce.
Serve the baked eggplants with the yogurt-mayo sauce.
Enjoy your meal!
Serving Suggestions:
Pair with a fresh green salad.
Serve with toasted bread.
Add a side of roasted vegetables.
Complement with a light soup.
Cooking Tips:
Substitute ground meat with lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.
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Ensure the eggplants are evenly sliced for consistent cooking.
Let the eggplants rest a bit after baking for the flavors to meld.
Nutritional Benefits:
Rich in protein from the ground meat.
High in fiber from the eggplants and vegetables.
Packed with vitamins and minerals.
Contains healthy fats from the olive oil and cheese.
Dietary Information:
Can be made gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients are gluten-free.
Suitable for low-carb diets with minor modifications.
Adaptable for a vegetarian diet by replacing ground meat with plant-based proteins.
Can be dairy-free by using dairy-free cheese and yogurt.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
Calories: 350
Protein: 18g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 5g
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
It’s easy to make and full of flavor.
The combination of eggplant, ground meat, and cheese is irresistible.
The yogurt-mayo sauce adds a refreshing touch to the dish.
Versatile and can be adapted to different dietary needs.
Conclusion: This baked eggplant with ground meat and cheese is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Its rich flavors and satisfying textures make it a standout meal that you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you follow the recipe as is or make a few tweaks to suit your preferences, this dish is sure to be a hit. I hope you enjoy making and eating this delicious recipe as much as I do. Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, feel free to use your favorite cheese or a blend of cheeses for different flavors.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble just before baking.
What can I use instead of ground meat for a vegetarian version? Lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat substitute work well.
How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this dish? Yes, it can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
What should I serve with this dish? It pairs well with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or toasted bread.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of dried garlic? Yes, fresh garlic can be used. Adjust the amount to taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free? Ensure all ingredients are gluten-free to make this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Can I use Greek yogurt for the sauce? Yes, Greek yogurt adds a nice tangy flavor to the sauce.
How can I make this dish dairy-free? Use dairy-free cheese and yogurt to adapt this recipe for a dairy-free diet.
