Mediterranean Baked Stuffed Eggplant
Savor the taste of the Mediterranean with this delightful and nutrient-packed baked stuffed eggplant. Perfect for a hearty meal, this dish combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms, the slight sweetness of tomato paste, and the fragrance of fresh herbs. While lean ground turkey serves as a healthy protein source, the optional addition of Parmesan or Romano cheese adds a wonderful rich flavor. Serve this as a complete meal or as a side dish to a family feast. Embark on a culinary journey with this wholesome, flavorful creation that is sure to please your taste buds and nourish your body.
6
Servings
190
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
large eggplant
1 (rinsed and halved)
butter or margarine
2 tablespoons (optional, for sautéing)
onion
1 cup (diced)
fresh mushrooms
1 cup (diced)
chervil
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
basil
1 1/2 teaspoons (dried)
fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
lean ground turkey
1 lb (uncooked)
no-added-salt tomato paste
1/4 cup
wheat germ
1/4 cup (optional)
fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Parmesan or Romano cheese
2 tablespoons (optional, grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Thoroughly rinse the eggplant, then slice it in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the pulp, leaving about a 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) thick outer shell, and dice the pulp into small pieces.
3
In a large skillet, melt butter or heat margarine (if using) over medium-high heat. Add diced onion, mushrooms, chervil, basil, and ground black pepper.
4
Incorporate the lean ground turkey into the skillet, breaking it into smaller bits, and sauté for 8 to 10 minutes or until the turkey is browned.
5
Mix in the tomato paste, optional wheat germ, and the diced eggplant pulp. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6
Lightly coat an ovenproof dish with vegetable oil spray, ensuring it's large enough to fit both eggplant shells.
7
Spoon the prepared turkey mixture evenly into each eggplant shell, placing them in the dish.
8
Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes until the eggplant shells are tender.
9
Optionally, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese over each stuffed eggplant half before serving. Finish with a garnish of chopped fresh parsley.
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
12.5g
Carbs
15g
Protein
4g
Fiber
142mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Baked Stuffed Eggplant?
It is a nutrient-packed dish where eggplant shells are filled with a mixture of lean ground turkey, mushrooms, tomato paste, and herbs, then baked.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of this stuffed eggplant?
Each serving contains 190 calories.
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The main protein source is one pound of lean ground turkey.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How do I prepare the eggplant for stuffing?
Rinse the eggplant, slice it in half lengthwise, and scoop out the pulp leaving a 1/2 inch thick shell.
What should I do with the scooped-out eggplant pulp?
Dice the pulp into small pieces and incorporate it back into the turkey and vegetable mixture.
What vegetables are included in the stuffing mixture?
The stuffing includes diced onion, fresh mushrooms, and the diced eggplant pulp.
Which herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses dried chervil, dried basil, and fresh parsley for garnish.
How long does the ground turkey need to sauté?
The ground turkey should be sautéed for 8 to 10 minutes or until it is browned.
Is there a specific type of tomato paste recommended?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 1/4 cup of no-added-salt tomato paste.
Is wheat germ a required ingredient?
No, the 1/4 cup of wheat germ is an optional addition to the mixture.
How do I prepare the baking dish?
Lightly coat an ovenproof dish with vegetable oil spray to prevent sticking.
How long does the stuffed eggplant take to bake?
It takes between 20 to 30 minutes for the eggplant shells to become tender.
What kind of cheese can be added as a topping?
You can optionally sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese over each half before serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 9g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 12.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is provided per serving?
Each serving provides 15g of protein.
Does this recipe provide dietary fiber?
Yes, there are 4g of fiber per serving.
What is the sodium content of this recipe?
The sodium content is 142mg per serving.
Can I use butter or margarine for sautéing?
Yes, you can use 2 tablespoons of either butter or margarine.
What size eggplant should I use?
The recipe calls for one large eggplant.
How do I garnish the final dish?
Garnish the baked eggplant with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley.
Is this dish suitable as a main course?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-dish meal and is intended to be a hearty, complete meal.
Can I serve this as a side dish?
Yes, it can also be served as a side dish for a family feast.
How much onion is required?
You will need 1 cup of diced onion.
How much mushrooms are used?
The recipe requires 1 cup of diced fresh mushrooms.
What kind of pepper should I use?
Freshly ground black pepper is recommended to taste.
Are the herbs used in the skillet dried or fresh?
The chervil and basil added to the skillet are dried, while the parsley garnish is fresh.
How do I know when the eggplant is done?
The eggplant is done when the outer shells are tender after 20-30 minutes of baking.