Quick Fake-Out "Stuffed" Eggplant Recipe

Name: Quick Fake-Out "Stuffed" Eggplant
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 5 small firm eggplants, about 6 to 7 inches long and 3 inches wide or 5 Japanese eggplants about the same size; 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; Salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1 pound ground beef or lamb; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 small to medium onion, finely chopped; 3 to 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped; A small handful raisins; Splash white wine or chicken stock; 3 to 4 tablespoons toasted pine nuts; A handful basil leaves, torn or chopped; 3 tablespoons butter; 1 cup bread crumbs; 1/2 cup finely chopped parsley leaves, a couple generous handfuls; 1/2 cup finely grated pecorino cheese or Parmigiano-Reggiano

Servings: persons

5 small firm eggplants, about 6 to 7 inches long and 3 inches wide or 5 Japanese eggplants about the same size
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound ground beef or lamb
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 small to medium onion, finely chopped
3 to 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
A small handful raisins
Splash white wine or chicken stock
3 to 4 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
A handful basil leaves, torn or chopped
3 tablespoons butter
1 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup finely chopped parsley leaves, a couple generous handfuls
1/2 cup finely grated pecorino cheese or Parmigiano-Reggiano

1
Heat the oven to 475 degrees F.
2
Halve 4 eggplants lengthwise.
3
Pour about 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil on a rimmed baking sheet.
4
Season the cut eggplant with salt and pepper, to taste, and arrange, cut side down, in the oil.
5
Put in the oven and roast until tender, about 20 minutes.
6
Peel the remaining eggplant and dice into 1/2-inch pieces.
7
In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil.
8
Stir in the beef or lamb, the tomato paste, onions, garlic, diced eggplant and raisins.
9
Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
10
Add the wine or stock, and cook until the eggplant and onions are soft, about 8 to 10 minutes.
11
Remove from the heat and stir in the pine nuts and basil.
12
While the meat cooks, melt the butter in small skillet over medium heat, add the bread crumbs and toast until golden.
13
Transfer to a bowl and cool.
14
Stir the parsley and cheese into the bread crumbs and add half of this mixture to the meat.
15
Remove the eggplant from the oven, flip it over and transfer to a serving platter.
16
Top each halved eggplant with a mound of stuffing and sprinkle the remaining cheesy bread crumbs over the top before serving.

1239

kcal

Calories

106

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 15 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 5 small firm eggplants, about 6 to 7 inches long and 3 inches wide or 5 Japanese eggplants about the same size, 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, Salt and freshly ground black pepper, 1 pound ground beef or lamb, and more.

Yes, Quick Fake-Out "Stuffed" Eggplant falls under the Vegetarian category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Quick Fake-Out "Stuffed" Eggplant

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions