Eggplant Dressing

Eggplant Dressing Recipe - Flavorful and Nutritious

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Eggplant dressing is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. This recipe combines the rich flavors of eggplant, ground chuck, and seasonings to create a flavorful and satisfying dish.

History

Eggplant dressing has its roots in Southern cuisine, where it is often served as a side dish or main course. This dish is a favorite during the holiday season and is often enjoyed at family gatherings and special occasions.

Ingredients

0.5 stick of margarine
2 large purple eggplants (peeled and cubed)
1 lb (454 g) of good ground chuck
0.5 cup of finely chopped onion
0.5 cup of finely chopped bell pepper
1 cup of water
1 tsp of salt, pepper, and garlic powder
2 cups of cooked hot white rice.

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray a 9 by 11 inches Pyrex dish with non-stick spray.
Sauté the onion and bell pepper in melted margarine. Add the meat and brown slightly. Then, add the seasonings, eggplant, and water. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes over medium-low heat.
Add the rice to the mixture and pour it into the Pyrex dish. Sprinkle with 0.5 cup of bread crumbs.
Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Serve this dish as a "really good feast" with roast and gravy, purple hull peas, sweet cushaw squash, sliced fresh tomatoes, cantaloupe, hot rolls, sweet iced tea, peach cobbler, and ice cream.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or mushrooms for extra flavor.
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground chuck for a lighter version of the dish.
Add some Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to peel and cube the eggplant before cooking to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- Browning the meat slightly before adding the other ingredients will help to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Be sure to cover and simmer the mixture for the full 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Sprinkling bread crumbs on top before baking will add a crunchy texture to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve eggplant dressing as a side dish with roast and gravy, purple hull peas, sweet cushaw squash, sliced fresh tomatoes, cantaloupe, hot rolls, sweet iced tea, peach cobbler, and ice cream.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the onion and bell pepper until they are soft and translucent.

- Brown the meat slightly before adding the other ingredients.

- Cover and simmer the mixture to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter instead of margarine.

- Use zucchini or yellow squash instead of eggplant.

- Use quinoa or couscous instead of rice.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the eggplant dressing ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply cover the dish with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the eggplant dressing in a decorative serving dish and garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair eggplant dressing with a crisp green salad and a glass of red wine for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the dish in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 30g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (bread crumbs) and soy (margarine).

Summary

Eggplant dressing is a nutritious and delicious dish that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.

Summary

Eggplant dressing is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still picture the first time I came across this recipe for Eggplant Dressing. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, who lived down the street from me. Mrs. Jenkins was known in our neighborhood for her incredible cooking skills, and I always looked forward to the delicious meals she would prepare whenever I visited her.

On this particular day, Mrs. Jenkins had invited me over for lunch, and I could smell the tantalizing aroma of spices and herbs wafting from her kitchen as soon as I walked through the door. As we sat down at her dining table, she placed a steaming dish of Eggplant Dressing in front of me. The dish was a beautiful golden brown color, with a crispy top layer that looked absolutely mouth-watering.

I took a small bite of the Eggplant Dressing, and my taste buds were immediately overwhelmed by the savory flavors of garlic, onion, and herbs. The eggplant was cooked to perfection, tender and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. I couldn't help but ask Mrs. Jenkins for the recipe, as I knew I had to recreate this dish in my own kitchen.

Mrs. Jenkins smiled warmly at me and said, "Of course, my dear. I learned this recipe from my grandmother, who passed it down to me. It's been a family favorite for generations." She then proceeded to write down the ingredients and instructions for making the Eggplant Dressing, and I promised to try it out at home.

When I returned to my own kitchen, I gathered all the ingredients I needed to make the Eggplant Dressing. I carefully followed Mrs. Jenkins' instructions, sautéing the eggplant with onions, garlic, and a medley of herbs and spices. As the dish cooked in the oven, the aroma filled my home and transported me back to Mrs. Jenkins' kitchen.

When the Eggplant Dressing was finally ready, I couldn't wait to taste it. I scooped a generous portion onto my plate and took a bite, savoring the rich flavors and comforting warmth of the dish. It tasted just like Mrs. Jenkins' version, and I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment knowing that I had successfully recreated her recipe.

From that day on, Eggplant Dressing became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I would make it for family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties, always receiving rave reviews from everyone who tried it. I would often think back to the day I learned the recipe from Mrs. Jenkins, and how grateful I was for her sharing her family tradition with me.

As the years passed, I continued to make Eggplant Dressing, occasionally adding my own twist by incorporating different ingredients or cooking methods. But no matter how I prepared it, the dish always brought me back to that sunny afternoon in Mrs. Jenkins' kitchen, where I first fell in love with its delicious flavors.

Now, as I pass the recipe down to my own children and grandchildren, I hope that they will cherish it as much as I have. I hope that they will create their own memories around the dining table, sharing stories and laughter over a steaming dish of Eggplant Dressing. And I hope that they will remember the love and tradition that this simple recipe represents, just as I will always hold dear the memory of Mrs. Jenkins and her delicious cooking.