Stuffed Eggplant Boats
Every time the garden is bursting with fresh eggplants, I know it’s time to fill the kitchen with the aroma of these comforting stuffed boats—a family favorite that never disappoints.
Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 35 minutes | Total time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 medium eggplants, halved and scooped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the eggplants:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the eggplant halves with olive oil, place them on a baking sheet, and roast for 20 minutes.
2. Cook the filling:
In a skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned. Add onion, garlic, bell peppers, and tomatoes, cooking until softened. Season with smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Assemble the boats:
Fill each roasted eggplant half with the beef mixture. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake to perfection:
Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish and serve:
Sprinkle with sliced green onions and serve warm.
Tips and Variations
1. Choose the right eggplant: Select eggplants that are firm and heavy for their size.
2. Don’t overbake: Bake the eggplant boats until they’re tender but still hold their shape.
3. Customize with your favorite ingredients: Mix in some chopped olives, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor.
4. Make it a vegetarian main dish: Serve the stuffed eggplant boats as a main dish, accompanied by a side salad or roasted vegetables.
5. Use different types of cheese: Experiment with other types of cheese, such as parmesan or goat cheese, for a unique flavor profile.
2. Don’t overbake: Bake the eggplant boats until they’re tender but still hold their shape.
3. Customize with your favorite ingredients: Mix in some chopped olives, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor.
4. Make it a vegetarian main dish: Serve the stuffed eggplant boats as a main dish, accompanied by a side salad or roasted vegetables.
5. Use different types of cheese: Experiment with other types of cheese, such as parmesan or goat cheese, for a unique flavor profile.
About to have this for lunch/dinner. The one thing I may be missing is the part that tells us what to do with the eggplant innards! I’m just chopping it up and adding to the meat mixture