Mediterranean Stuffed Eggplant Boats with Quinoa, Chickpeas & Tahini-Lemon Drizzle
Roasted eggplants are hollowed and stuffed with a colorful mix of quinoa, chickpeas, roasted peppers, and herbs, then drizzled with a creamy tahini-lemon dressing.This dish is 100% Mediterranean diet-friendly — plant-forward, protein-rich, high in fiber, healthy fats, and bursting with flavor.
⏱ Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Roast: 35–40 minutes
Total: 50–55 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
Eggplants & Roasting
2 medium eggplants
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper
Filling
1 cup cooked quinoa
1 cup canned chickpeas, drained & rinsed
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 zucchini, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp cumin
Salt & pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
Tahini-Lemon Drizzle
3 tbsp tahini
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp maple syrup or honey
2–3 tbsp water (to thin)
Pinch salt
Garnish
Fresh mint or parsley
Toasted pine nuts
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Roast Eggplants
1. Preheat oven to 200°C
2. Slice eggplants in half lengthwise, scoop out some flesh to make “boats”
3. Brush with olive oil, season with salt & pepper
4. Roast 20 minutes until tender
2️⃣ Prepare Filling
1. Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté garlic, zucchini, and red pepper 3–4 minutes
2. Add chickpeas, quinoa, smoked paprika, cumin, salt & pepper
3. Stir in chopped parsley
3️⃣ Stuff & Bake
1. Fill roasted eggplant halves with the quinoa-chickpea mixture
2. Bake 10–15 more minutes to heat through
4️⃣ Tahini-Lemon Drizzle
Whisk tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, water, and salt until smooth
Drizzle over warm stuffed eggplants
5️⃣ Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle toasted pine nuts and fresh mint
Optional: drizzle a little extra olive oil
💡 Chef Tips
Scoop just enough eggplant to hold filling; keep flesh for another dish
Tahini dressing should be pourable but creamy
Add sun-dried tomatoes or olives for extra Mediterranean punch
Can serve as main dish or elegant mezze plate
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQs
Make vegan?
✔ Already vegan; can add roasted halloumi if desired
Meal prep?
✔ Assemble and refrigerate; drizzle tahini dressing before serving
Extra flavor?
✔ Add a pinch of smoked paprika on top before baking
🥗 Nutritional Information
Calories: 380
Protein: 14 g
Carbs: 38 g
Fat: 18 g
Fiber: 11 g