Stuffed eggplant

Stuffed Eggplant Recipe from Japan - Delicious Blend of Herbs and Spices

Region / culture: Japan | Servings: 4

Introduction

Stuffed eggplant is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a vegetarian meal or as a side dish. The combination of tender eggplant, savory onions and garlic, and juicy tomatoes creates a flavorful and satisfying meal.

History

Stuffed eggplant has been a popular dish in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. The combination of eggplant and a savory stuffing has been enjoyed by many cultures throughout history.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) japanese eggplants
0.67 cup olive oil
2 cups onions, thinly sliced
3 – 4 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced thin
2 cups tomatoes, peeled and sliced
0.5 cup water
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp sugar
salt and pepper

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Cut off the ends of the eggplants/aubergines.
Create an opening for the stuffing by using a sharp knife to slice the eggplant from the stem end down to the other end, making sure not to cut all the way through.
In a skillet, heat 4 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat.
Gently fry the eggplant.
If needed, add more oil to the frying pan.
Remove the eggplant from the skillet and place it in an 8"x8" baking dish.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Add the remaining olive oil to the same skillet.
Sauté the onions and garlic in it until they are slightly golden, being careful not to burn the garlic.
You want the vegetables to be soft.
Add the fresh tomatoes and half a cup of water to the skillet.
Add the oregano, sugar, more salt, and pepper.
Simmer covered for 15 minutes.
Remove the stuffing from heat.
Fill the eggplants with this stuffing.
They will be slightly open as they don't need to be closed back over the stuffing mixture, so be very generous.
Bake for 40 minutes, basting them at least once.

Variations

Add cooked ground meat to the stuffing mixture for a meatier version.
Top the stuffed eggplants with cheese before baking for a cheesy twist.
Add pine nuts or raisins to the stuffing mixture for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to choose eggplants that are firm and have a shiny skin.

- When frying the eggplant, make sure to cook them until they are golden brown on all sides.

- Make sure to generously fill the eggplants with the stuffing mixture for maximum flavor.

- Basting the eggplants while baking will help keep them moist and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

Stuffed eggplant can be served as a main dish with a side of rice or salad, or as a side dish to accompany grilled meats or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Frying the eggplants before baking helps to soften them and adds a nice golden color.

- Simmering the stuffing mixture before filling the eggplants helps to meld the flavors together.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use regular eggplants instead of Japanese eggplants for this recipe.

- If you don't have fresh tomatoes, you can use canned diced tomatoes instead.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the stuffed eggplants ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking. Simply bake them when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the stuffed eggplants on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Stuffed eggplant pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light red wine such as Pinot Noir.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover stuffed eggplant can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of stuffed eggplant contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of stuffed eggplant contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of stuffed eggplant contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of stuffed eggplant contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Stuffed eggplant is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber.

Alergens

Stuffed eggplant may contain allergens such as garlic and olive oil. Please check for any specific allergens before consuming.

Summary

Stuffed eggplant is a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in carbohydrates and fats, and a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Stuffed eggplant is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a vegetarian meal or as a side dish. With a flavorful stuffing and tender eggplant, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that washed over me when I found this recipe for stuffed eggplant. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old box of recipes that I had collected over the years. As I flipped through the yellowed pages, my eyes landed on a faded handwritten note tucked between two recipe cards.

The note was written in elegant cursive and simply read, "Stuffed Eggplant - a family favorite." Intrigued, I scanned the rest of the note, hoping to find more details on how to make this dish. Unfortunately, there was no recipe written down, only a brief mention of the ingredients needed and a vague description of the process.

Determined to uncover the secrets of this mysterious dish, I set out on a quest to learn how to make stuffed eggplant. I asked around my community, seeking out anyone who might have heard of this recipe before. After days of searching, I finally struck gold when I stumbled upon an elderly neighbor who remembered her grandmother making stuffed eggplant when she was a little girl.

With excitement bubbling in my chest, I sat down with my neighbor and listened intently as she recounted the steps to making the dish. She described how to select the perfect eggplant, how to hollow it out without breaking the skin, and how to create a flavorful filling using a mix of ground meat, herbs, and spices.

Armed with this newfound knowledge, I rushed home to try my hand at making stuffed eggplant for the first time. I carefully followed each step, taking care to slice the eggplant just right and season the filling to perfection. As the dish baked in the oven, the aroma of herbs and spices filled my kitchen, and I couldn't wait to taste the final result.

When the timer dinged, I eagerly pulled the stuffed eggplant out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before taking my first bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth, a perfect blend of savory and sweet, with the tender eggplant melting in my mouth. I knew right then and there that I had discovered a new favorite recipe.

From that day on, stuffed eggplant became a regular dish on my dinner table, much to the delight of my family. I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing on the knowledge that had been shared with me. Each time I made the dish, I thought of the mysterious handwritten note that had sparked my curiosity and led me on this culinary adventure.

As the years passed, I continued to experiment with different variations of the stuffed eggplant recipe, adding new ingredients and tweaking the seasonings to create my own unique spin on the dish. It became a staple at family gatherings and holiday meals, a dish that always brought smiles to the faces of those who savored its delicious flavors.

Looking back on that fateful day when I discovered the recipe for stuffed eggplant, I can't help but feel grateful for the journey it set me on. It taught me the joy of discovering new recipes, the satisfaction of mastering a dish through trial and error, and the importance of sharing that knowledge with others.

So, the next time you come across a mysterious recipe that sparks your curiosity, don't hesitate to dive in and uncover its secrets. You never know what delicious discoveries you might make along the way.