Cheesy Herb-Stuffed Eggplant Delight
This Cheesy Herb-Stuffed Eggplant Delight is a family favorite that brings warmth and joy to any dining table. Baked to perfection, these succulent eggplant halves are stuffed with a savory mix of sautéed vegetables, creamy cheeses, and aromatic herbs. The moment it begins to bake, the irresistible aroma wafts through the house, stirring appetites and drawing in family members from every room. It’s a delightful dish that not only pleases the adult palate but also captivates the younger ones, making it a perfect one-dish meal for busy weeknights or a hearty gathering with friends. The recipe is flexible, allowing you to adjust ingredients based on your preferences, ensuring every bite is satisfying and bursting with flavor.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggplants
2 (Sliced in half and flesh scooped out)
Onion
1 (Finely chopped)
Olive Oil
4 tablespoons (Used for sautéing)
Garlic
3-6 cloves (Crushed)
Chopped Tomatoes
1 can (400 g) (Canned)
Mashed Tomatoes or Tomato Sauce
1 package (500 g) (Any style, can be either mashed tomatoes or tomato sauce)
Pine Nuts
1/3 cup (optional) (Lightly toasted (optional))
Parsley
1 bunch (Chopped)
Basil
1/2-1 teaspoon (Dried or fresh, to taste)
Pepper
to taste (Freshly ground)
Egg
1 (Beaten)
Parmesan Cheese
1/2-1 cup (Grated)
Grated Cheese
300-400 g (Any type of cheese you enjoy, grated)
Breadcrumbs
1/2-1 cup (Added to refine texture)
Mozzarella Cheese
375 g (Sliced for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Slice the eggplants in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving a sturdy shell. Set the shells aside.
3
Finely chop the scooped-out eggplant flesh and onion using a food processor or knife.
4
In a large frying pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and eggplant mixture along with the crushed garlic. Sauté for about 10 minutes until the mixture is softened and fragrant.
5
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the chopped tomatoes and tomato sauce. Mix well.
6
Add the pine nuts (if using), parsley, basil, and a sprinkle of pepper. Let the mixture simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7
Turn off the heat and stir in the beaten egg, followed by the grated Parmesan and any additional cheeses of your choice.
8
Gradually add breadcrumbs until the stuffing reaches a thick, cohesive consistency.
9
Fill each eggplant shell generously with the prepared stuffing, packing it in well.
10
Top each stuffed eggplant with a layer of sliced mozzarella.
11
Place the stuffed eggplants on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or up to 1 hour if you enjoy the shells a bit softer.
12
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main ingredient of this recipe?
The main ingredient is two eggplants, sliced in half with the flesh scooped out.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How do I prepare the eggplant flesh?
Finely chop the scooped-out eggplant flesh using a food processor or a knife.
What vegetables are sautéed with the eggplant?
Finely chopped onion and 3 to 6 cloves of crushed garlic are sautéed with the eggplant mixture.
How long should I sauté the onion and eggplant mixture?
Sauté the mixture in olive oil for about 10 minutes until it is softened and fragrant.
What type of oil is recommended?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of olive oil.
When do I add the tomato components?
Reduce the heat to low and stir in one can of chopped tomatoes and one package of tomato sauce after the vegetables are softened.
Are pine nuts required for this recipe?
No, 1/3 cup of toasted pine nuts is optional.
Which herbs are used for seasoning?
One bunch of chopped parsley and 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of dried or fresh basil are used.
How is the stuffing mixture thickened?
Gradually add 1/2 to 1 cup of breadcrumbs until the stuffing reaches a thick, cohesive consistency.
Why is an egg added to the recipe?
One beaten egg is stirred into the mixture to help bind the stuffing together.
What types of cheese go into the stuffing?
The stuffing contains 1/2 to 1 cup of grated Parmesan and 300-400 grams of any other grated cheese you enjoy.
What cheese is used for the topping?
375 grams of sliced mozzarella cheese are placed on top of each stuffed eggplant.
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or up to 1 hour if you prefer softer eggplant shells.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian dish containing vegetables, cheeses, herbs, and egg.
How many servings does this make?
The recipe uses 2 eggplants sliced in half, typically providing 4 servings.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, while the recipe calls for canned chopped tomatoes, it is flexible enough to accommodate adjustments.
What is the purpose of the breadcrumbs?
Breadcrumbs are added to refine the texture and ensure the stuffing is not too runny.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, the recipe suggests 300-400g of any type of cheese you enjoy.
Is this a family-friendly meal?
Yes, it is described as a family favorite that captivates both adults and children.
How do I ensure the eggplant shells don't collapse?
Leave a sturdy shell when scooping out the flesh to provide support for the stuffing.
What cuisine is this dish associated with?
The recipe is tagged as Italian cuisine.
Can I use tomato mashed instead of sauce?
Yes, you can use either mashed tomatoes or tomato sauce for the mixture.
Should the pine nuts be toasted?
Yes, if using pine nuts, they should be lightly toasted.
Is the basil fresh or dried?
You can use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of either dried or fresh basil to taste.
What should I do before serving the dish?
Allow the eggplants to cool for a few minutes after removing them from the oven.
How much garlic should I use?
The recipe recommends between 3 and 6 cloves depending on your preference.
What kind of pepper should I use?
Freshly ground pepper is recommended to taste.
Can this be prepared as a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is a hearty one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights.
How is the onion prepared?
One onion should be finely chopped before sautéing.