Karniyarik | Turkish Dinner Ideas

ground meat

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: lentils

Quinoa provides protein while being plant-based.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil offers a similar flavor with a higher smoke point.

rice

🥗Healthier: cauliflower rice

💰Cheaper: bulgur

Cauliflower rice lowers carbs while bulgur is more economical.

tomatoes

🥗Healthier: canned tomatoes

💰Cheaper: tomato paste

Canned tomatoes maintain flavor and are often less expensive.

Slice 4 large round eggplants into medium-thick slices.

Sprinkle eggplant slices with salt and cook in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until golden, about 3-4 minutes on each side.

Remove the cooked eggplant slices from the pan and set them aside to cool to room temperature.

In the same pan, sauté 1 medium chopped onion in 2 tablespoons of oil with salt and pepper for around 3-4 minutes until translucent and softened.

Add 250 g of minced beef to the pan and brown it.

Stir in 1 teaspoon of garlic paste and all-purpose seasoning to taste.

Add 2 tablespoons of tomato puree and cook it down.

Pour in 2 cups of ground tomatoes, bring to a boil, and cook down for around 25-30 minutes on low heat until thickened.

Set the meat sauce aside to cool to room temperature.

Layer the bottom of a baking pan with eggplant slices, then add a layer of the meat sauce, followed by a layer of shredded cheese.

Repeat the layers until you have three layers of each ingredient, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.

Add a couple tablespoons of water to the baking pan, cover with foil, and bake at 180°C for 20 minutes.

Remove from the oven and garnish with baby tomatoes and chopped coriander.

Serve hot.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: