Savory Mediterranean Stuffed Eggplant
Discover the delight of our Savory Mediterranean Stuffed Eggplant, a rich and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. These tender eggplant halves are generously filled with a savory mixture of lean ground beef, aromatic spices, and fluffy rice, all topped with a zesty tomato sauce. The combination of toasted almonds and fresh herbs adds a delightful crunch and fragrance to every bite. This dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a fresh salad. Share this recipe with family and friends for a memorable dining experience that celebrates wholesome ingredients and vibrant flavors.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
small or medium eggplants
2 lbs (stems removed, halved lengthwise)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
tomato paste
1-2 tablespoons (mixed with water for sauce)
garlic
4 cloves (halved)
olive oil or vegetable oil
4 tablespoons (divided for cooking)
long-grain rice
1/2 cup (rinsed and drained)
medium onion
1 (finely chopped)
lean ground beef
1/2 lb (raw)
parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
turmeric
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
slivered almonds
3 tablespoons (toasted (optional))
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Mediterranean Stuffed Eggplant?
Savory Mediterranean Stuffed Eggplant is a rich and flavorful dish consisting of tender eggplant halves filled with a mixture of lean ground beef, aromatic spices, and rice, topped with a zesty tomato sauce.
What size eggplants should I use for this recipe?
You should use small or medium-sized eggplants for this dish.
How much eggplant is required?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of eggplant.
How should the eggplants be prepared?
The stems should be removed and the eggplants should be halved lengthwise.
What are the primary ingredients in the filling?
The filling is made with lean ground beef, long-grain rice, finely chopped onion, and fresh parsley.
What spices provide the Mediterranean flavor?
The dish is seasoned with ground cumin, turmeric, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Is there a sauce for this recipe?
Yes, a zesty tomato sauce is made by mixing tomato paste with water.
What type of rice is recommended?
Long-grain rice is recommended for this recipe.
How should the rice be prepared before cooking?
The 1/2 cup of rice should be rinsed and drained.
Can I use different types of oil?
Yes, you can use either olive oil or vegetable oil depending on your preference.
How much oil is needed in total?
The recipe requires 4 tablespoons of oil, divided for different cooking steps.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 4 cloves of garlic.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic cloves should be halved.
What kind of meat is used in this stuffed eggplant?
The recipe uses 1/2 lb of raw lean ground beef.
Is the onion specially prepared?
Yes, one medium onion should be finely chopped.
Does the recipe include any fresh herbs?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley are included.
How much cumin is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin.
What is the measurement for the turmeric?
You should use 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric.
Is there a crunchy topping suggested?
Yes, 3 tablespoons of toasted slivered almonds can be added for extra fragrance and crunch.
How much tomato paste should I use?
The recipe suggests 1 to 2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
How do I season the eggplant?
The eggplant should be seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy dinner option featuring wholesome ingredients like eggplant and lean beef.
Can I serve this as a standalone meal?
Yes, it is a satisfying meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a fresh salad.
Is this a good recipe for entertaining?
Absolutely, its vibrant colors and rich flavor make it a great dish to share with family and friends.
What category does this recipe fall under?
It is categorized as a Mediterranean vegetable dish.
Does the ground beef need to be cooked beforehand?
No, the ingredients list specifies using raw lean ground beef for the filling preparation.
Are the almonds mandatory?
The toasted slivered almonds are optional but recommended for added texture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients used in this Savory Mediterranean Stuffed Eggplant recipe.
What kind of texture does the final dish have?
The dish features tender eggplant, fluffy rice, and a slight crunch from the optional almonds.
Is the garlic minced?
No, the garlic cloves are simply halved for this recipe.