The Best Juicy & Flavor-Packed Stuffed Eggplant 🍆. Easy Baked Recipe!

pine nuts

🥗Healthier: walnuts

💰Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Walnuts provide healthy fats and are often less expensive.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil is healthier while canola oil is budget-friendly.

currants

🥗Healthier: dried cranberries

💰Cheaper: raisins

Raisins are more affordable and add sweetness.

vegetable broth

🥗Healthier: homemade broth

💰Cheaper: water with seasoning

Homemade broth is healthier, while seasoned water is a cost-effective alternative.

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Wash the eggplants and trim off the stem ends.

Cut each eggplant in half lengthwise.

Using a spoon, scoop out most of the flesh, leaving about a ½-inch border of the eggplant shell.

Roughly chop the scooped-out eggplant flesh.

Lightly drizzle the inside of the eggplant shells with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Place the eggplant shells cut-side up in the baking dish.

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and diced bell pepper (if using) and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Stir in the dried oregano.

Add the minced chicken to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat.

Add the chopped eggplant flesh to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until slightly softened.

Remove the skillet from the heat.

Spoon the chicken mixture evenly into the hollowed-out eggplant shells, pressing gently to fill them.

Sprinkle the tops of the stuffed eggplants with extra grated Parmesan cheese.

Pour about ½ inch of water into the bottom of the baking dish.

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the eggplant shells are tender and the filling is heated through and lightly golden brown on top.

Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven.

Let the stuffed eggplants cool slightly before serving.

Garnish with extra fresh parsley, if desired.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens