Tomato-Stuffed Eggplant

This Mediterranean-inspired dish transforms humble eggplants into elegant stuffed boats. The tender flesh is scooped out and sautéed with onions, garlic, and fresh tomato wedges, creating a rich, savory filling. A blend of dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme adds depth, while fresh chives and parsley provide a bright, herbal finish. Breadcrumbs add a satisfying texture to the stuffing. The eggplant shells are baked in a bath of tomato juice, which keeps them moist and infuses them with flavor. Perfect as a light main course or a substantial vegetarian appetizer, this recipe is simple to prepare using pantry staples. It's a comforting, home-style meal that brings vibrant flavors to your table without requiring complex techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Cooking Method: Baking

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Courses: Appetisers

Difficulty: Advanced

Servings: 4

Calories: 132

Dietary: Vegetarian

Description

This Mediterranean-inspired dish transforms humble eggplants into elegant stuffed boats. The tender flesh is scooped out and sautéed with onions, garlic, and fresh tomato wedges, creating a rich, savory filling. A blend of dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme adds depth, while fresh chives and parsley provide a bright, herbal finish. Breadcrumbs add a satisfying texture to the stuffing. The eggplant shells are baked in a bath of tomato juice, which keeps them moist and infuses them with flavor. Perfect as a light main course or a substantial vegetarian appetizer, this recipe is simple to prepare using pantry staples. It's a comforting, home-style meal that brings vibrant flavors to your table without requiring complex techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Ingredients

2 medium Eggplants
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 large whole tomatoes, peeled and cut into small wedges
1/4 cup finely-snipped chives
1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon dried crushed basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
to taste Salt or salt substitute
to taste Pepper, freshly cracked
2.5 cups tomato juice
2 tablespoons freshly-minced parsley

Directions

1
Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
2
Slice eggplants in half lengthwise.
3
Scoop out the pulp from each eggplant half, leaving a 1/2-inch layer attached to the outer shell to maintain structure.
4
Roughly chop 1 cup of the scooped-out eggplant pulp and set aside.
5
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and crushed garlic, sautéing until softened.
6
Add the tomato wedges and the chopped eggplant pulp to the skillet.
7
Stir often and cook until all vegetables are tender and softened.
8
Remove from heat and stir in the chives, bread crumbs, basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
9
Spoon the vegetable mixture into the hollowed-out eggplant shells, packing it down gently.
10
Arrange the stuffed eggplant halves in an oven-proof baking dish.
11
Pour the tomato juice into the bottom of the baking dish, ensuring it does not overflow into the eggplants.
12
Bake for about 30 minutes, basting the tops with the tomato juice from the pan every 10 minutes to keep them moist.
13
Garnish with freshly minced parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 132kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 5.0g8%
Saturated Fat 0.7g4%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 45mg2%
Total Carbohydrate 18.0g6%
Dietary Fiber 4.5g18%
Sugars 7.0g
Protein 4.5g9%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For best results, choose firm, shiny eggplants that are heavy for their size.

If the eggplants are very bitter, salt the scooped-out pulp and let it drain for 15 minutes before chopping and cooking.

This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it ideal for potlucks.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: eggplant, stuffed, tomato, mediterranean, vegetarian, vegan, appetizer, herbs, baking, garlic, onion, basil, oregano, thyme, chives, breadcrumbs, healthy, dinner, side dish

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/tomato-stuffed-eggplant/