Filled egg plants

Macedonian Filled Eggplants Recipe - Authentic & Flavorful

Region / culture: Macedonia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Filled eggplants are a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. This recipe combines the rich flavors of eggplant, ground meat, and cheese to create a satisfying and flavorful meal.

History

The origins of filled eggplants can be traced back to Mediterranean cuisine, where eggplants are a staple ingredient in many dishes. This recipe has been passed down through generations and has evolved over time to include different variations and ingredients.

Ingredients

2 large or 4 small eggplants
lemon juice
4 tbsp of olive oil
200 ml white wine
400 g mixed ground meat
2 onions
3 cloves of garlic
spices, pepper, salt, parsley
2 eggs
100 g of cheese

How to prepare

Wash the eggplants. Cut each eggplant lengthwise and remove the core. Sprinkle salt on the eggplants and let them sit for a while. Pat them dry with napkins and drizzle some lemon juice over them. Heat oil in a pan and place the eggplants in it. Add some wine and fry for approximately ten minutes.
Remove the eggplants from the heat and transfer them to a fireproof saucepan.
In the same oil, fry chopped onion, ground meat, garlic, ground eggplant core, and spices. Finally, add parsley and eggs. Use this filling to stuff the eggplants. Sprinkle some cheese on top and bake at a temperature of 200°C for about 20 minutes.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, you can omit the ground meat and add more vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
You can also experiment with different types of cheese such as feta, mozzarella, or Parmesan for a unique flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to salt the eggplants before cooking to remove any bitterness.

- Drizzling lemon juice over the eggplants helps to enhance their flavor.

- Be sure to cook the filling thoroughly before stuffing the eggplants to ensure that the meat is cooked through.

- Adding cheese on top of the stuffed eggplants adds a delicious and gooey texture to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Filled eggplants can be served with a side of rice, salad, or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include frying, baking, and stuffing the eggplants with the filling mixture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have ground meat, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or tofu as a substitute. You can also use different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the filling.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to stuff the eggplants and bake them.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the filled eggplants on a platter garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Filled eggplants pair well with a glass of red wine such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover filled eggplants can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of filled eggplants contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of filled eggplants contains approximately 15g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of filled eggplants contains approximately 20g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of filled eggplants contains approximately 25g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Filled eggplants are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as potassium and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and cheese, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Filled eggplants are a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Filled eggplants are a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. With a flavorful filling of ground meat, cheese, and spices, these stuffed eggplants are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for filled eggplants. It was a warm summer day, much like today, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my mother. As I turned the fragile pages, a faded recipe caught my eye. It was titled "Stuffed Eggplants" and the ingredients called for fresh eggplants, ground beef, tomatoes, and a medley of spices.

Intrigued by the combination of flavors, I decided to give the recipe a try. I carefully followed each step, from hollowing out the eggplants to sautéing the filling until it was perfectly seasoned. The aroma that filled my kitchen was simply divine, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

As I took my first bite, I was transported back to my childhood, when my own grandmother would spend hours in the kitchen, preparing delicious meals for our family. She was the one who taught me the importance of using fresh, quality ingredients and taking the time to cook with love and care.

I remember asking her where she had learned to make such amazing dishes, and she simply smiled and said, "I learned from the best - my own mother and grandmother." It was then that I realized the true value of passing down recipes from generation to generation.

Over the years, I have continued to perfect the recipe for filled eggplants, adding my own personal touch with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil. Each time I make this dish, I am reminded of the love and dedication that my family has put into their cooking, and I am grateful for the culinary traditions that have been handed down to me.

One particular memory stands out to me, of the time I shared this recipe with a dear friend who was going through a difficult time. I invited her over for dinner and served her a steaming plate of filled eggplants, hoping to bring a smile to her face. As she took her first bite, her eyes lit up with delight, and she exclaimed, "This is just what I needed!"

In that moment, I realized the power of food to bring comfort and joy to those we care about. My friend and I spent the evening reminiscing about old times and sharing stories of our families, all while savoring each bite of the delicious dish before us.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the many memories that this recipe has brought me, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary heritage that has been passed down to me. I am proud to carry on the tradition of creating delicious meals that bring people together and warm their hearts.

And so, I will continue to make filled eggplants for years to come, sharing this beloved recipe with friends and family, and passing it on to future generations. For in each bite of this flavorful dish, there is a taste of love, tradition, and the joy of cooking that will never fade.