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**Baked Eggplant with Savory Meat Filling: A Hearty and Delicious Dish**
Eggplant is a versatile vegetable that lends itself beautifully to a variety of savory dishes, and one of the most delicious ways to prepare it is by stuffing it with a flavorful, savory meat filling. **Baked Eggplant with Savory Meat Filling** is a hearty and satisfying dish that combines the richness of eggplant with the savory goodness of a well-seasoned meat mixture, all topped with cheese and baked to perfection. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, looking for a weeknight meal, or just craving something comforting, this dish is sure to impress!
### Why Baked Eggplant with Savory Meat Filling?
Eggplant has a wonderful meaty texture that makes it perfect for stuffing. When baked, it becomes tender and absorbs all the flavors of the filling. The meat filling, which can be made with ground beef, lamb, turkey, or chicken, is seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices that complement the eggplant’s natural flavors. Topped with cheese, it turns into a crispy, gooey, and golden masterpiece that is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.
This dish is incredibly customizable, so feel free to experiment with the filling to suit your preferences. Whether you want to add more vegetables, use a different type of cheese, or make the dish spicier, it’s a meal that can be tailored to suit any palate.
### Ingredients for Baked Eggplant with Savory Meat Filling
To make this savory, flavorful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
#### For the Eggplant:
– 2 medium eggplants
– Olive oil for brushing
– Salt and pepper, to taste
#### For the Meat Filling:
– 1 lb ground beef (or ground lamb, turkey, or chicken)
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
– 1/2 cup cooked rice or breadcrumbs (optional, for added texture)
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
### Instructions: How to Make Baked Eggplant with Savory Meat Filling
**Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the eggplants in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh of the eggplants, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the skin to create boat-like halves. You can chop the scooped-out flesh and set it aside to use in the filling.
3. Brush the cut sides of the eggplant halves with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Place them on a baking sheet, cut side down, and roast in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they are tender and lightly browned. You can also cover the eggplant halves with foil to prevent them from drying out.
**Step 2: Make the Savory Meat Filling**
1. While the eggplants are roasting, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pan, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
2. Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, chopped eggplant flesh (that you scooped out earlier), rice or breadcrumbs (if using), oregano, cumin, and cinnamon. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Let the filling simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
**Step 3: Stuff the Eggplant**
1. Once the eggplant halves are roasted and tender, remove them from the oven and turn them over, cut side up.
2. Spoon the savory meat filling into the eggplant halves, packing it in tightly and mounding it slightly.
3. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the stuffed eggplants. If you like a cheesier topping, feel free to add a bit of shredded mozzarella cheese on top as well.
**Step 4: Bake the Stuffed Eggplant**
1. Return the stuffed eggplant halves to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden, and the filling is bubbling.
2. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
**Step 5: Garnish and Serve**
1. Before serving, sprinkle the stuffed eggplant with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
2. Serve the Baked Eggplant with Savory Meat Filling as a main dish, accompanied by a side of fresh salad, rice, or a crunchy baguette.
### Tips for Making the Perfect Stuffed Eggplant
1. **Choose the Right Eggplant**: Look for eggplants that are firm and glossy. Avoid ones that have blemishes or soft spots. Smaller to medium-sized eggplants tend to be sweeter and less bitter.
2. **Season the Filling Well**: Since eggplant can be quite mild, make sure to season the meat filling generously with herbs and spices to bring out the flavors. The combination of cumin, cinnamon, and oregano gives this dish a warm, savory profile, but feel free to adjust to your taste.
3. **Make it Veggie-Heavy**: If you want to add more vegetables to the filling, consider including diced zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. These can help bulk up the filling and add more layers of flavor.
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