MOUSSAKA-STYLE STUFFED EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE)

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Moussaka-Style Stuffed Eggplant (Aubergine) image

A wonderful way of creating four self-contained servings of moussaka. What makes it wonderful is the quality of the ricotta--the best way (and most economical)is to make your own.

Provided by Chef Kate

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h50m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 20

2 (1 lb) eggplants, medium-sized
kosher salt
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus
extra oil, for rubbing the eggplants
3/4 lb lean ground lamb
1/2 onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium tomatoes, peeled, seeded, diced
1 green bell pepper, peeled, seeded and diced
3/4 teaspoon ground cloves
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 cup fresh ricotta
1 1/3 cups fresh ricotta
fresh ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated
1 -2 tablespoon milk
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
fresh parsley (to garnish)

Steps:

  • Halve the eggplants lengthwise and score the interior of each half, leaving about a third of an inch thickness on the perimeter.
  • Use a paring knife and a spoon to scoop out the interior of the eggplant, leaving a 'boat.'.
  • Using a fork, pierce the skin in several places, liberally salt the halves and place them upside down on paper towels to drain for about 30 minutes.
  • Chop the eggplant flesh into 1/2" cubes and set aside 4 cups of the cubes (reserve any excess for another recipe).
  • Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  • Wipe the eggplant shells out with paper towels, brush the skin lightly with a little olive oil, and place them on a baking sheet.
  • Bake them until they are just tender (about ten minutes) then remove from the oven and set aside in a baking dish.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
  • Add the lamb and cook, breaking up the pieces, until lightly browned--about 5 minutes.
  • Add the onion, garlic, 4 cups of eggplant and cook, stirring occasionally, until the eggplant is soft--about five more minutes.
  • Add the tomatoes, bell pepper, cloves, cumin, cinnamon and cayenne and cook until the mixture is fairly dry.
  • Remove from the heat and stir in 1/2 cup of the ricotta.
  • Season to taste and spoon into the 4 eggplant halves.
  • Place the remaining 1 and 1/3 cups of ricotta in a small bowl and stir in the nutmeg and enough milk until the consistency of the cheese mixture is spreadable.
  • Spread it over the filled eggplant halves and sprinkle the tops with parmesan.
  • Bake until the tops are very brown--25 to 35 minutes.
  • Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Mpho Maropola
m_mpho85@yahoo.com

This dish was a bit bland for my taste. I think I would have preferred a more robust flavor profile. The eggplant was cooked well, but the filling was a bit dry. I think adding some additional sauce or moisture would have helped. Overall, it was an o


GabybestieLol Annecia Divine
g48@hotmail.com

I made this recipe for my family and they all loved it! The eggplant was cooked perfectly and the filling was flavorful and satisfying. The cheese topping added a nice golden crust. I would definitely make this again.


Anarkole 41p
anarkole@gmail.com

This dish was a hit at my dinner party! Everyone loved the combination of flavors and textures. The eggplant was tender and flavorful, and the filling was rich and savory. The cheese topping added a nice golden crust. I would definitely recommend thi


Oasis Onyedikachukwu
o_o@gmail.com

I've never made moussaka before, but this recipe made it easy. The instructions were clear and concise, and the end result was delicious! The eggplant was perfectly cooked and the filling was flavorful and satisfying. I will definitely be making this


Danish Zihan
z53@hotmail.fr

This recipe was a bit more work than I expected, but it was totally worth it! The end result was a delicious and impressive meal that was enjoyed by everyone at the table. The eggplant was tender and flavorful, and the filling was rich and savory. I


Neil Vella
vella-n@yahoo.com

I'm not usually a fan of eggplant, but this recipe changed my mind! The eggplant was cooked perfectly and the filling was incredibly flavorful. The combination of spices and herbs was spot on, and the cheese topping added a nice touch of richness. I'


Verneshia Lyles
l-v@yahoo.com

This dish was absolutely delicious! The eggplant was cooked to perfection and the filling was rich and flavorful. I especially loved the addition of the pine nuts, which added a nice crunch. The only thing I would change is to use a bit less salt. Ov


Md Shoid
m-s@yahoo.com

The moussaka-stuffed eggplant was a delicious and visually appealing dish. The eggplant was tender and flavorful, and the filling was a savory blend of minced meat, vegetables, and spices. The cheese topping added a nice golden crust. Overall, it was


soso dado
soso@yahoo.com

I found this recipe to be a bit too complicated and time-consuming. There were a lot of steps involved and it took me a while to make. The end result was good, but I don't think it was worth the effort. I would probably try a different recipe next ti


Amoah Oduro
a_o34@hotmail.co.uk

This recipe was a bit bland for my taste. I think I would have preferred a more robust flavor profile. The eggplant was cooked well, but the filling was a bit dry. I think adding some additional sauce or moisture would have helped. Overall, it was an


sanjaya tamang
t-sanjaya79@hotmail.com

I followed the recipe exactly and the dish turned out great! The eggplant was cooked to perfection and the filling was very flavorful. I loved the combination of spices and herbs. The only thing I would change is to add a bit more cheese to the top.


Raymond Evans
evans79@yahoo.com

This dish was a bit more work than I expected, but it was totally worth it! The end result was a delicious and impressive meal that was enjoyed by everyone at the table. The eggplant was tender and flavorful, and the filling was rich and savory. I es


Abdisa Moges
m13@yahoo.com

I've never been a huge fan of eggplant, but this recipe changed my mind! The eggplant was perfectly cooked and the filling was incredibly flavorful. The combination of spices and herbs was spot on, and the cheese topping added a nice touch of richnes


Another
another@yahoo.com

Made this moussaka-stuffed eggplant last night and it was a hit! The flavors were rich and complex, with the eggplant providing a nice smoky flavor. The filling was moist and flavorful, and the cheese topping added a lovely golden crust. I especially


Jwala Ghising
ghising@yahoo.com

This moussaka-stuffed eggplant dish was a delightful culinary experience! The combination of flavors and textures was simply divine. The eggplant was perfectly cooked, tender yet still holding its shape, and the filling was a savory and flavorful ble