Stuffed Eggplants: A Hearty Italian Delight
If you’re looking for a flavorful and comforting second course dish that combines the earthy taste of eggplants with savory filling, Stuffed Eggplants (Melanzane Ripiene) is the perfect choice for your next meal. This traditional Italian recipe is a delightful combination of tender eggplant, seasoned pork, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese, all baked together to create a dish that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or hosting a gathering, these stuffed eggplants are sure to impress.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Eggplants (medium size) | 700g |
| Ground pork (or minced pork) | 300g |
| Tomato sauce | 300g |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Stale bread (cubed) | 50g |
| White wine | 60g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | q.b. (to taste) |
| Fresh basil leaves | 6 |
| Black pepper | 1 pinch |
| Salt (to taste) | 1 pinch |
| Caciocavallo cheese (or similar) | 175g |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Sodium | 540mg |
| Calcium | 150mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Eggplants
Start by washing the eggplants thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh carefully using a spoon, leaving about a half-centimeter of the flesh attached to the skin. Be gentle to avoid tearing the skin. Chop the scooped-out flesh into small pieces and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Pork
Heat a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Next, add the ground pork to the pan. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook for about 4-5 minutes until the pork is browned and cooked through.
Step 3: Add Tomato Sauce and Basil
Once the pork is browned, add the chopped eggplant flesh to the pan, followed by the tomato sauce. Stir everything together, making sure the ingredients are evenly distributed. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste, and add a few fresh basil leaves to infuse the sauce with aromatic flavor. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Prepare the Stale Bread and Cheese
While the filling simmers, tear the stale bread into small pieces and pulse it in a food processor until it forms fine breadcrumbs. Grate the Caciocavallo cheese using a coarse grater and set it aside.
Step 5: Combine the Filling
Once the pork and tomato mixture has simmered, turn off the heat. Add the breadcrumbs and grated Caciocavallo cheese to the pan. Stir everything until the mixture is well combined. The breadcrumbs will help absorb the excess moisture from the tomato sauce, and the cheese will melt to create a creamy filling.
Step 6: Stuff the Eggplant Shells
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Now it’s time to stuff the eggplant halves! Take a baking dish and lightly grease it with olive oil. Place the hollowed-out eggplant halves in the dish. Fill each half generously with the pork and tomato mixture, pressing down lightly to pack the filling in. After stuffing the eggplants, drizzle a little extra tomato sauce that you set aside earlier over the top of each stuffed eggplant.
Step 7: Bake the Stuffed Eggplants
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake the stuffed eggplants in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes or until the eggplant is tender and the filling is golden and bubbling.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once the stuffed eggplants are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil leaves. Serve the melanzane ripiene hot, either on their own or accompanied by a side of roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad. Enjoy this classic Italian dish that’s full of heartwarming flavors.
These Stuffed Eggplants are a wonderful way to enjoy the rich flavors of traditional Italian cooking. The blend of savory pork, fragrant basil, tangy tomato sauce, and creamy melted cheese creates an unforgettable dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and promises a delicious meal every time.
