1. Preparing the Eggplants
Trim and Peel: Trim the eggplants and peel them on the sides. Cut them lengthwise into four slices.
Season: In a small bowl, mix olive oil with paprika, salt, and pepper.
Bake: Place the eggplant slices on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush them on both sides with the flavored oil mix. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (392°F) for 30 minutes.
2. Preparing the Filling
Tomato Puree: Roughly chop the tomatoes and blend them to obtain a smooth puree.
Sauté Aromatics: In a non-stick pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until golden.
Cook Meat: Add the minced meat and cook until browned.
Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in the diced red pepper, followed by the blended tomatoes, tomato paste, chili flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and spices. Add water and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Stuffing the Eggplants
Layer: Transfer half of the baked eggplant slices to a baking tray. Top each slice with a portion of the cooked minced meat mixture.
Cheese: Sprinkle grated cheese over the filling.
Top and Repeat: Cover each filled eggplant slice with another slice of baked eggplant. Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients.
4. Final Cooking
Bake: Bake the stuffed eggplants in the preheated oven for 15 minutes at 200°C (392°F).
Garnish: Once cooked, garnish the stuffed eggplants with chopped parsley before serving.
Freezing Instructions
Cool Down: Allow the stuffed eggplants to cool completely.
Wrap and Pack: Individually wrap each stuffed eggplant slice in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container.
Label and Freeze: Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 320
Protein: 20g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 500mg
Serving Suggestions
This Eggplant recipe is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:
Light Lunch: Pair it with a fresh green salad for a satisfying yet light meal.
Hearty Dinner: Serve with a side of quinoa, brown rice, or whole grain pasta for a more substantial meal.
Topping: Garnish with extra parsley and a sprinkle of grated light cheese for added flavor and visual appeal.
Final Thoughts
This eggplant recipe is more than just a delicious meal—it’s a health-conscious choice that supports blood sugar management. The combination of high-fiber eggplant, lean protein, and flavorful vegetables creates a dish that is both nourishing and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a new dinner idea or a dish to impress guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit!
