Ingredients

For the Eggplant and Filling:

• 4 eggplants
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 1 pinch of parsley (chopped)
• 400 grams of minced meat
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Red powdered pepper (to taste)
• Oil (for frying)
• 2 liters of water (for washing the eggplants)
• 2 tablespoons of salt (for soaking the eggplants)

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 200 ml of cream
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
• 4 tablespoons of flour

For the Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 bowl of yogurt
• 1 clove of garlic (minced)
• Red powdered pepper (to taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Eggplants:
   • Wash the eggplants thoroughly and cut them in half lengthwise. Sprinkle them with 2 tablespoons of salt and soak them in 2 liters of water for about 30 minutes. This helps to remove the bitterness from the eggplants.
   • After soaking, drain the eggplants and pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
2. Fry the Eggplants:
   • Heat oil in a large frying pan. Fry the eggplants on both sides until golden brown and soft. Once fried, place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
3. Prepare the Meat Filling:
   • In a separate pan, sauté the chopped onion in a little oil until it becomes translucent.
   • Add the minced meat, stirring until browned and fully cooked. Season with salt, black pepper, red powdered pepper, and parsley. Mix well and set aside.
4. Stuff the Eggplants:
   • Once the eggplants have cooled slightly, use a spoon to carefully scoop out some of the flesh to create a cavity for the filling.
   • Fill each eggplant half with the prepared minced meat mixture, packing it tightly into the cavity.
5. Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
   • In a bowl, whisk together the cream, eggs, red chili powder, and flour until smooth.
   • Pour the sauce evenly over the stuffed eggplants, ensuring they are well-covered.
6. Bake the Eggplants:
   • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the stuffed eggplants in an ovenproof dish and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce has set and is golden brown.
7. Prepare the Yogurt Sauce:
   • While the eggplants are baking, mix the yogurt with minced garlic and a pinch of red powdered pepper. This cooling sauce will complement the rich flavors of the eggplant dish.
8. Serve:
   • Once the stuffed eggplants are baked and the sauce is golden, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve with a generous dollop of the yogurt sauce on the side.

Cooking Tips

• Eggplant Prep: Always soak the eggplants in salted water to remove bitterness and prevent them from absorbing too much oil during frying.
• Filling Variations: You can add diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or even a handful of spinach to the meat filling for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Creamy Sauce: If you want a lighter version of the dish, you can substitute the cream with a light béchamel sauce or a yogurt-based sauce.
• Yogurt Sauce: For an extra kick, add a few drops of lemon juice or a sprinkle of cumin to the yogurt sauce.

Storage

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the stuffed eggplants before baking. When ready to serve, thaw them overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 23g
• Fiber: 7g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Sugars: 6g

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat?
   • Yes, you can substitute the minced meat with ground chicken, turkey, or lamb for a different flavor profile.
2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
   • Absolutely! Replace the minced meat with a mixture of cooked lentils, quinoa, or chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
3. How can I make the dish spicier?
   • For a spicier version, add more red chili powder to the meat filling or use hot paprika in the sauce.
4. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the stuffed eggplants and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. Just add the sauce and bake when you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

Stuffed eggplants with creamy sauce are a perfect combination of flavors and textures, making them a hearty and satisfying dish. The tender, fried eggplant, combined with a spiced minced meat filling and topped with a rich, savory sauce, offers an irresistible meal that is sure to please. The yogurt-garlic sauce adds a cooling balance to the dish, creating a well-rounded and complete meal. Whether you’re making this for a special occasion or just a cozy family dinner, these stuffed eggplants are guaranteed to impress. With simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, you can easily make this delicious dish part of your regular cooking repertoire. Enjoy the comforting flavors and rich aromas that this recipe brings to your table!