Mediterranean Turkey Stuffed Eggplant Food

TURKEY STUFFED EGGPLANT RECIPE

Steps:

• Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees.
• Cut the eggplant in half lengthwise. Using a small sharp knife, and leaving about 1/2 -inch border around the edges, score the eggplants in a criss-cross pattern reaching to the bottom of the eggplant but being careful not to pierce skin (this will make scooping out the flesh easier once it is cooked). Brush each half with olive oil, and season with a 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon cracked pepper.
• Place the eggplant halves, skin side down, in a baking tray and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until nicely golden-brown and tender. Remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly.
• Meanwhile prepare the filling. Heat 1 tablesoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and red pepper and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly soft. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
• Add the ground turkey, oregano, paprika, cayenne (if using) and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until brown and no longer pink. Add the tomatoes and fresh thyme and cook for 2-3 more minutes.
• Once the eggplant has cooled enough to touch, gently scoop out most of the flesh and add to the turkey mixture, leaving the shells in the baking tray. Cook the mixture for 5 minutes to let the flavours meld.
• Stuff the eggplant halves evenly with the turkey mixture. Crumble the goat cheese over top and roast for about 5-10 minutes just to heat through. TIP: If using a melty cheese such as mozzarella, turn on the broiler for 1-2 minutes.
• If making the lemon yogurt sauce, mix all the ingredients in a medium bowl to combine.
• Garnish eggplants with chopped thyme leaves and basil. Serve with lemon-yogurt sauce, if desired.

TURKISH STUFFED EGGPLANT (KARNIYARIK)

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 F.
• Cut a slit down the center of the halved eggplants without piercing the skin. Sprinkle the eggplants with salt and set them aside. This will help them release excess water.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and once it's hot, add the diced onion. Sauté for 3 minutes.
• Add the ground beef and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes or until most of the pink is gone. Break it up into smaller chunks.
• Add the diced bell pepper and sauté for 2 minutes. Then add the tomato paste, sea salt, Aleppo pepper, and paprika to the skillet. Stir continuously for 30 seconds till the tomato paste is incorporated.
• Stir in the grated tomatoes and then bring the mixture to a low simmer for 5 minutes.
• Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley.
• Using a paper towel to remove any excess water from the eggplants.
• Heat a few tablespoons of neutral oil in a large skillet or cast iron pan. Fry the eggplants cut side down for several minutes until they are browned and a little crisped. Flip them and cook the skin side for 2 minutes. Remove and set on a paper towel. Work in batches if necessary.
• Place the eggplants on a large, rimmed baking sheet or in a large baking dish. Top with the meat and pepper mixture. Place a slice or two of green chile on top of each eggplant.
• Stir together the remaining 2 tablespoons and 1/2 cup of water together, then pour in the bottom of the rimmed baking sheet or baking dish.
• Cover the eggplants with aluminum foil. Bake covered for 20 minutes and then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

STUFFED EGGPLANT MEDITERRANEAN-STYLE

Steps:

• Halve the egplant lengthwise. Hollow out the halves leaving 1/2 inch thick shells. Chop the eggplant pulp.
• In a medium skillet, cook mushrooms, onion, and eggplant pulp in hot oil for 5 minutes. Add tomato and cook 2 minutes more. Remove from heat, and stir in cooked rice, salt, and pepper.
• Lightly grease a square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Place eggplant halves, cut side up, in dish. Spoon half of filling into each eggplant half.
• Bake, uncovered, in a 350º oven for 25 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese and bake 10 to 15 minutes more until heated through and eggplant shells are tender.