Mediterranean Stuffed Eggplant Delights
Indulge in the rich flavors of the Mediterranean with these delightful stuffed eggplants, known as Papoutsakias, which translates to 'little shoes'. This traditional Greek dish features tender eggplant halves filled with a savory mixture of ground beef or lamb, aromatic garlic, and a luscious tomato sauce blended with herbs and spices. Roasted to perfection, these stuffed eggplants are topped with parmesan cheese for a delightful crust, offering a delicious combination of smoky, savory, and cheesy elements that will transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched shores of Greece. Perfect for a family dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.
N/A
Servings
205
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggplants
3 (medium, halved lengthwise)
ground beef or ground lamb
1 lb (browned)
tomato sauce
16 ounces (canned)
olive oil
1/3 cup (for brushing and sautéing)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (grated)
basil
to taste (fresh or dried)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Preheat your grill or a conventional oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh using a large spoon, leaving about 1/2 inch of thickness in the eggplant shells.
3
Brush the insides of the shells with olive oil and place them flesh-side down on the grill or a baking sheet. Roast for approximately 10 minutes, or until lightly browned.
4
While the shells are roasting, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or lamb and cook until browned, about 10 minutes. Remove the meat from the skillet and set aside.
5
In the same skillet, add a bit of olive oil if needed, and introduce the coarsely chopped eggplant flesh and finely minced garlic. Sauté until the eggplant is soft and cooked through, about 30 minutes.
6
Once cooked, add the browned meat, tomato sauce, grated parmesan, basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and simmer for an additional 10 minutes so the flavors meld together nicely.
7
Remove the roasted eggplant shells from the grill or oven and carefully fill them with the meat and eggplant mixture.
8
Sprinkle the stuffed eggplants generously with additional grated parmesan cheese.
9
Return the stuffed eggplants to the grill or oven, and roast them for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10
Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition Information
11.25g
Fat
10g
Carbs
14.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Stuffed Eggplant Delights?
Also known as Papoutsakias, this traditional Greek dish features tender eggplant halves filled with a savory mixture of meat, garlic, and tomato sauce.
What does the name 'Papoutsakias' mean?
The name translates to 'little shoes'.
How many eggplants are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 medium eggplants, halved lengthwise.
What types of meat can be used in the filling?
You can use 1 lb of either ground beef or ground lamb.
What temperature should the oven or grill be set to?
Preheat your grill or a conventional oven to 400°F (200°C).
How thick should the eggplant shells be after scooping?
You should leave about 1/2 inch of thickness in the eggplant shells.
How long do the eggplant shells need to roast initially?
Roast the shells flesh-side down for approximately 10 minutes until lightly browned.
How long does it take to brown the ground meat?
It takes about 10 minutes to cook the meat until browned.
How long should the chopped eggplant flesh be sautéed?
Sauté the eggplant flesh with garlic for about 30 minutes until soft and cooked through.
What is the calorie count for this dish?
Each serving contains 205 calories.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 14.5g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
The recipe contains 11.25g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 10g of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of tomato sauce is used?
The recipe uses 16 ounces of canned tomato sauce.
How much olive oil is needed?
You will need 1/3 cup of olive oil for both brushing the shells and sautéing.
How many garlic cloves does the recipe require?
The recipe requires 4 garlic cloves, finely minced.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
The dish uses grated parmesan cheese.
Can I use dried basil?
Yes, you can use either fresh or dried basil to taste.
How long should the filling simmer before stuffing the eggplants?
Simmer the mixture for an additional 10 minutes so the flavors meld together.
How long is the final roasting time once the eggplants are stuffed?
Roast the stuffed eggplants for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve the dish warm, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Is this recipe suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, it is described as perfect for a family dinner or a special gathering.
What flavor profile can I expect?
The dish offers a combination of smoky, savory, and cheesy elements.
What seasoning is used for the meat and eggplant mixture?
The mixture is seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
Do I need to peel the eggplants?
No, the recipe involves cutting them in half and scooping out the flesh, leaving the shell intact.
What are the main tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include Greek cuisine, eggplant recipes, stuffed vegetables, and healthy dinner.
How much parmesan is added directly into the meat mixture?
2 tablespoons of grated parmesan are stirred into the skillet mixture.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients listed.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food.
What should I do with the meat once it is browned?
Remove the meat from the skillet and set it aside while you sauté the eggplant flesh.