Savory Lebanese Eggplant Casserole with Ground Lamb and Beef

Eggplant (Aubergine) Fit for a Sheik (Sheik Al Mihshee) Recipe 🍆👳‍♂️

Description

This delectable dish, Eggplant Fit for a Sheik, also known as Sheik Al Mihshee, is a hidden treasure from my grandmother’s kitchen. She never revealed it was eggplant, or I might have missed out on its delightful flavors. With a mix of ground lamb and beef, aromatic spices, and tender eggplant, this recipe will make even the most hesitant eater a fan. Perfect for a one-dish meal, it brings the rich, savory tastes of Lebanese cuisine right to your table. The prep time includes allowing the eggplant to “sweat” or drain, ensuring the perfect texture in the final dish.

Total Time

Ingredients

For this sumptuous dish, you will need the following ingredients, each contributing to the complex and satisfying flavors:

1. Eggplant (1 medium-sized) 🍆
2. Ground Lamb (1 pound) 🐑
3. Ground Beef (1 pound) 🐄
4. Chopped Tomatoes (1/2 cup) 🍅
5. Cinnamon (1 teaspoon) 🌿
6. Salt (to taste) 🧂
7. Pepper (1/4 teaspoon) 🌶️
8. Clove (2 whole or ground) 🌰
9. Garlic Cloves (2, minced) 🧄
10. Onions (2-3 medium, chopped) 🧅
11. Butter (for greasing the casserole) 🧈

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Servings

This recipe serves approximately 6 people.

Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to create a dish that will impress any guest or family member:

1. Preparing the Eggplant:

   • Lay out slices of eggplant on a large platter and sprinkle generously with salt. This process helps to draw out excess moisture and any bitterness from the eggplant. Let it sit for about 30 minutes.
   • After 30 minutes, you will notice beads of water on the eggplant slices. This is the eggplant “sweating”. Rinse the slices under cold water to remove the salt, then pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.

2. Cooking the Meat:

   • In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, brown the ground lamb and ground beef together. Stir continuously to break the meat into smaller pieces.
   • Once the meat is browned, add the chopped onions. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for another minute until the garlic is fragrant. Then, drain any excess fat from the skillet to avoid a greasy casserole.

3. Preparing the Tomato Mixture:

   • In a separate bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes with cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and ground pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.

4. Assembling the Casserole:

   • Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
   • Grease a large casserole dish with butter to prevent sticking and to add a rich flavor to the dish.
   • Start layering the ingredients: begin with half of the beef and lamb mixture, spreading it evenly at the bottom of the casserole dish.
   • Next, add a layer of eggplant slices over the meat.
   • Spread half of the tomato mixture over the eggplant.
   • Repeat the layers: add the remaining meat mixture, another layer of eggplant slices, and top it off with the rest of the tomato mixture.

5. Baking:

   • Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. This ensures all the flavors meld together beautifully and the eggplant becomes tender.
   • After an hour, check the casserole. If the eggplant is tender and the dish is bubbling hot, it’s ready to serve. If not, you can bake it for an additional 10-15 minutes as needed.

Tips for Perfection

• Sweating the Eggplant: This step is crucial to remove any bitterness and excess moisture. Don’t skip it!
• Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. A pinch of nutmeg or allspice can add an extra layer of flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: You can substitute the meat with a mix of lentils and mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve hot with a side of fluffy basmati rice or warm pita bread. A dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top can add a refreshing touch.

Enjoying the Dish

This Eggplant Fit for a Sheik dish is a wonderful blend of Middle Eastern flavors that will surely become a family favorite. The rich, spiced meat combined with tender, savory eggplant creates a dish that is both comforting and exotic. Perfect for a special occasion or a delightful family dinner, this recipe is a testament to the deliciousness of eggplant, even for those who might not think they like it.

Gather your ingredients, follow the steps with care, and enjoy the compliments that will undoubtedly come your way. Happy cooking! 🍽️🍆👳‍♂️