How To Make Karniyarik (Turkish Stuffed Eggplant) | Ep 554

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.

Peel 3 to 4 strips off each eggplant using a peeler.

Make a slit halfway through each eggplant with a sharp knife.

Prepare a large bowl of water with 2 tablespoons of salt and soak the eggplants for about 30 minutes.

Finely chop 2 brown onions.

Slice 1 green capsicum in half, remove seeds, and dice coarsely.

Heat a large pan on medium to high heat and add 3 tablespoons of oil.

Add the chopped onions and capsicum to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes until softened and browned.

Add 400 grams of beef mince to the pan and continue cooking.

Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.

Add 3 chopped garlic cloves and cook until the mince is browned, about 5 minutes.

Reduce heat to low to medium and add 1/4 cup of passata, stirring through.

Simmer for about 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.

Drain the eggplants and pat dry with a clean tea towel.

Heat 1/2 cup of oil in a large pan over low to medium heat.

Add the eggplants to the hot oil and fry until golden brown all over, being cautious of splatter.

Check if the eggplants are soft enough to open; if not, cook longer.

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

Place the fried eggplants into an oven-proof dish and spoon the beef mixture into each eggplant, stuffing well.

Pour 1/2 cup of passata over the stuffed eggplants and add 1 cup of water around them.

Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes.

Remove from the oven and serve, garnishing with fresh mint.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: