🍆✨ Get ready to embark on a culinary journey with our delectable Creole Stuffed Eggplant (Aubergine) recipe! Bursting with flavors and textures, this dish is a true celebration of the vibrant eggplant. 🎉
🕒 Preparation Time: 15 minutes
🍽️ Cooking Time: 45 minutes
⏰ Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of butter 🧈
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil 🫒
- 3 tablespoons of fresh basil, finely chopped 🌿
- 1 onion, finely diced 🧅
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped 🌱
- 1/2 cup of celery, finely chopped 🌿
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme 🌿
- 3 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper 🌶️
- 1 green bell pepper, diced 🫑
- 1 tablespoon of butter (additional) 🧈
- 2 eggplants 🍆
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup of bread crumbs 🍞
- Water, as needed 💧
For Garnish:
- Grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 315.9
- Fat: 19.9g
- Saturated Fat: 11.4g
- Cholesterol: 46mg
- Sodium: 401mg
- Carbohydrates: 32.8g
- Fiber: 11.6g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 6.1g
Instructions:
-
🌡️ Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
-
🍳 In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until the butter is melted.
-
🌰 Add the finely diced onion, chopped celery, and minced garlic to the skillet. Saute over low heat until the onion turns translucent.
-
🌶️ Introduce the diced green bell pepper to the mix, continuing to saute until the onion achieves a golden hue.
-
🍆 While the veggies are sizzling away, prepare your eggplants. Cut them in half lengthwise and carefully score each half several times lengthwise and across, removing the pulp, but leaving a sturdy shell of about 1/4″ all around.
-
🔪 Chop the eggplant pulp and add it to the skillet mixture along with fresh basil, parsley, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, and all the other remaining ingredients except the bread crumbs.
-
💦 Add a bit of water, just enough to keep the mixture moist. Simmer, covered, over low heat until the eggplant becomes tender, stirring occasionally.
-
🍞 Stir in the bread crumbs to create a mouthwatering filling.
-
🍆 Place the eggplant shells in an oiled shallow baking dish, ensuring they can be propped up against each other securely.
-
🥄 Generously stuff the eggplant shells with the sauteed mixture, then drizzle 2 tablespoons of melted butter over each.
-
🎂 Bake at 375 degrees F for 30-40 minutes, or until the shells are tender but not collapsed.
-
🧀 Serve this culinary masterpiece with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a delightful garnish.
📝 Note: If you’re not a fan of green bell pepper, feel free to experiment with orange, yellow, or red bell pepper for a burst of color and slightly different flavor profile.
🌟 Gather your loved ones around the table and savor the magic of Creole Stuffed Eggplant! A symphony of flavors awaits in every delicious bite. Enjoy! ✨🍽️
