Iraqi Eggplant and Meat Stew/ One of The best Dishes

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground lamb

Ground turkey offers lower fat content while ground lamb is often less expensive.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil is healthier while canola oil is a more affordable alternative.

chickpeas

🥗Healthier: lentils

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Lentils are lower in calories and canned beans are often cheaper.

bay leaves

💰Cheaper: dried herbs

Dried herbs can provide similar flavor at a lower cost.

Add salt to the eggplant slices and leave aside for ½-1 hour to get rid of bitterness and prevent oil absorption.

Pat dry the eggplant slices with a paper towel.

Fry the eggplant slices in hot oil on medium flame until light brown, then place on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Heat some oil in a large pot, then add slices of onion and green pepper, cooking until they get a nice brown color.

Add sliced garlic and cook for a few minutes.

Add tomato slices and hot green pepper, cooking for a few more minutes.

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a few more minutes.

Add cooked meat, meat broth, boiling water, citric acid, salt, black pepper, and red hot pepper.

Cook on medium heat until the vegetables are tender and the sauce thickens, then add the fried eggplant slices.

Cook for about 5 minutes, being careful not to overcook the eggplant slices.

Turn off the heat and let the stew rest for 20 minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: