This Baked Eggplant with Spiced Ground Meat is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines tender baked eggplant with a rich and savory meat sauce. Perfect for a satisfying dinner, this recipe is packed with spices and vegetables, making it both delicious and nutritious.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced about 1 centimeter thick
- Olive oil (approximately 30 milliliters)
- Salt (to taste)
- Garlic powder (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Sweet paprika (to taste)
- Dried oregano (to taste)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 medium peppers (any color), chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 300 grams ground meat (beef or lamb)
- 8 grams sweet paprika
- 8 grams ground ginger
- Ground cumin (to taste)
- Water (a splash for deglazing)
Directions:
1. Prepare the Eggplant:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- In a large bowl, toss the eggplant slices with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and oregano. Ensure all slices are evenly coated.
- Spread the seasoned eggplant slices on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and slightly golden brown.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- While the eggplant bakes, heat a pan over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil.
- Add the chopped onion and peppers, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground meat to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Season the meat mixture with sweet paprika, ground ginger, and ground cumin. Stir well to combine.
- Add a splash of water to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
3. Assemble and Bake the Dish:
- Once the eggplant is cooked, remove it from the oven and reduce the temperature to 180°C (350°F).
- In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce.
- Arrange the baked eggplant slices on top of the sauce.
- Spoon the remaining meat sauce over the eggplant slices.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the dish is heated through.
4. Serve:
- Let the dish cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
Cooking Tips:
- Ensure the eggplant slices are evenly coated with the seasoning for the best flavor.
- Deglaze the pan with water or broth to incorporate all the flavorful browned bits into the sauce.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Eggplant: Low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Ground Meat: Provides protein and essential nutrients.
- Vegetables: Add vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to the dish.
Dietary Information:
- Gluten-Free: Yes
- Dairy-Free: Yes
- Low-Carb: Yes
Storage:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Flavorful and Hearty: Packed with spices and rich flavors.
- Nutritious: Combines a variety of vegetables and protein for a balanced meal.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps and common ingredients.
Conclusion:
This Baked Eggplant with Spiced Ground Meat is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The combination of tender eggplant and flavorful meat sauce makes it a hit with everyone. Enjoy this wholesome and tasty meal!