Certainly! Here’s a detailed and elaborate recipe for Imam Baildi, also known as Stuffed Eggplant (Aubergine):
Imam Baildi (Stuffed Eggplant)
Description:
Imam Baildi is a delightful Mediterranean dish where eggplants are stuffed with a savory mixture of onions, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs, then baked to perfection. It’s a Turkish and Greek specialty that promises rich flavors and a satisfying meal experience.
Ingredients:
- 2 Japanese eggplants (aubergines)
- 2/3 cup olive oil, divided
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 428.7
- Total Fat: 36.7g
- Saturated Fat: 5.1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 14.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 25.8g
- Fiber: 10.2g
- Sugars: 12.2g
- Protein: 4.1g
Instructions:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). |
| 2 | Cut the ends off the eggplants/aubergines. |
| 3 | Make an opening for the stuffing by slicing each eggplant lengthwise from the stem end down to the other, ensuring not to cut all the way through. |
| 4 | In a skillet, heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Fry the eggplants gently until they are lightly browned on all sides. Add more oil if needed during frying. |
| 5 | Remove the eggplants from the skillet and place them in an 8″x8″ baking dish. Season with salt and pepper. |
| 6 | In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and slightly golden, being careful not to burn the garlic. |
| 7 | Add the chopped tomatoes and half a cup of water to the skillet. Stir in the dried oregano, sugar, and season with more salt and pepper to taste. |
| 8 | Cover the skillet and simmer the mixture for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. |
| 9 | Remove the skillet from heat and carefully stuff each eggplant with the prepared mixture, ensuring they are generously filled. |
| 10 | Place the stuffed eggplants back into the baking dish. |
| 11 | Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, basting the eggplants with the juices from the baking dish at least once during baking. |
| 12 | Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Imam Baildi can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. |
Tips:
- Choose firm and shiny eggplants for this dish, as they hold up better during cooking.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences, adding more or less salt, pepper, or sugar as desired.
- Serve Imam Baildi as a main dish accompanied by crusty bread or as a side dish to complement a larger Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Enjoy your flavorful journey into Mediterranean cuisine with this Imam Baildi recipe! 🍆🌿
