Savory Stuffed Eggplant with Italian Herbs
Delight in the rich flavors of this Savory Stuffed Eggplant recipe, perfect for a nutritious and satisfying meal. This dish features tender eggplant halves filled with a delectable mixture of sautéed vegetables, ground beef or turkey, fresh herbs, and a cheesy breadcrumb topping. Baked to perfection, it's an ideal dinner option that's both hearty and wholesome. Share it with friends and family for a delightful culinary experience that can be prepared in under an hour!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggplant
1 large (cut in half, scooped out)
extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons (divided)
ground beef or turkey
1/2 lb (season to taste)
salt
to taste (used for seasoning)
pepper
to taste (used for seasoning)
onion
1 small (diced)
red pepper
1 small (diced)
green pepper
1 small (diced)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon (or 1/2 cup fresh parsley)
dried basil
1/2 teaspoon (or 1/2 cup fresh basil)
pecorino romano cheese
1 1/4 cups (grated)
breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (used for topping)
egg
1 (beaten)
small tomatoes
2 (chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Carefully cut the large eggplant in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving a rim of about 1/2 inch around the edge to maintain the shell's structure. Chop the scooped-out flesh into small pieces.
3
Bring a pot of water to a boil, and add the chopped eggplant flesh. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until soft. Drain and set aside.
4
In a medium-sized skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Season the ground beef or turkey with salt and pepper, then add to the pan. Sauté until the meat is browned and all liquids have evaporated. Drain excess fat, chop the meat into smaller pieces, and allow to cool.
5
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil, followed by the diced onions, red pepper, green pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
6
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked eggplant flesh, sautéed vegetables, cooked ground meat, parsley, basil, 1 cup of grated pecorino romano cheese, breadcrumbs, and the egg. Mix well until combined.
7
Fill the eggplant halves generously with the stuffing mixture, ensuring it's evenly distributed.
8
Top each stuffed half with chopped tomatoes, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of grated cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
9
Place the stuffed eggplant on a lightly greased baking tray or in a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the eggplant is tender and the cheese is golden brown.
10
Allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing widthwise. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious stuffed eggplant!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Stuffed Eggplant with Italian Herbs?
It is a nutritious dish featuring tender eggplant halves filled with a mixture of sautéed vegetables, ground meat, fresh herbs, and a cheesy breadcrumb topping.
What types of meat can be used in this recipe?
You can use either ground beef or ground turkey for the stuffing.
How do I prepare the eggplant for stuffing?
Cut the eggplant in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving a 1/2 inch rim around the edge to maintain the shell's structure.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long do I cook the chopped eggplant flesh?
The chopped eggplant flesh should be boiled in water for about 10-12 minutes or until it is soft.
Which vegetables are sautéed for the filling?
The filling includes diced onions, red peppers, green peppers, and minced garlic.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs?
Yes, you can substitute 1/2 teaspoon of dried parsley or basil with 1/2 cup of fresh parsley or basil.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
How long does the stuffed eggplant need to bake?
It should be baked for 30 minutes or until the eggplant is tender and the cheese is golden brown.
Is this recipe considered a healthy meal?
Yes, the description identifies it as a nutritious, wholesome, and satisfying meal option.
What is the purpose of the egg in the stuffing?
The egg acts as a binder to help the stuffing mixture hold together.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, used in divided portions.
How should the tomatoes be prepared for the topping?
Two small tomatoes should be chopped and placed on top of each stuffed eggplant half before baking.
What should I do with the meat after browning it?
Drain the excess fat, chop the meat into smaller pieces, and allow it to cool before mixing.
How do I assemble the final dish?
Fill the eggplant shells with the stuffing mixture, top with chopped tomatoes and extra cheese, and place on a baking tray.
What kind of peppers are used in the stuffing?
The recipe uses one small red pepper and one small green pepper, both diced.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 3 minced garlic cloves.
Can I prepare this meal in under an hour?
Yes, the recipe is designed to be prepared and cooked in less than one hour.
How should I slice the eggplant for serving?
After allowing it to cool for a few minutes, slice the eggplant halves widthwise for serving.
What gives the topping its texture?
A combination of breadcrumbs and Pecorino Romano cheese provides the golden brown topping.
Should the eggplant flesh be drained after boiling?
Yes, once the eggplant flesh is soft, it should be drained before being added to the mixing bowl.
How do I ensure the meat is well-seasoned?
Season the ground beef or turkey with salt and pepper while sautéing it in the skillet.
What size onion is recommended?
The recipe calls for one small onion, diced.
How much cheese goes inside the stuffing versus on top?
Use 1 cup of grated cheese inside the stuffing and the remaining 1/4 cup for the topping.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as an ideal dinner option to share with friends and family.
What equipment is needed for baking?
You will need a lightly greased baking tray or a baking dish.
Can I use different types of ground meat?
The recipe specifically suggests ground beef or ground turkey as the primary options.
How many eggplants are needed for this recipe?
This recipe is based on using 1 large eggplant.
Does the recipe include salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and pepper are used to taste for seasoning the meat and the final topping.
Is the eggplant skin removed?
No, the skin is left intact to serve as the shell or container for the stuffing.