Stuffed eggplants
Stuffed eggplants with chicken and cheese - a Mediterranean delight
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Who can resist the aroma of stuffed eggplants with chicken, cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs? This simple and delicious stuffed eggplant recipe is perfect for a quick and hearty dinner. Here’s how to prepare this savory dish step by step.
Necessary ingredients:
- 3 medium eggplants
- 1 boneless chicken breast
- 1 large onion
- 1 cup of tomato juice (preferably natural)
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 3-4 slices of cheese (or feta cheese for a saltier note)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 sprig of fresh thyme (or dried if fresh is not available)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preparing the eggplants: Start by washing the eggplants well. Cut them lengthwise, then carefully scoop out the flesh with a spoon, leaving a thin wall. This will allow them to cook evenly and absorb the filling flavors. Do not discard the flesh; chop it into cubes.
2. Preparing the filling: In a large skillet, add the olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until it becomes translucent. Add the chopped chicken breast and cook until golden. Here you can add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Adding the ingredients: Once the chicken is cooked, add the chopped eggplant flesh, crushed garlic, and tomato juice. Let everything simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Finally, turn off the heat and add the chopped dill and thyme for a fresh and aromatic flavor.
4. Filling the eggplants: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Fill each half of the eggplant with the chicken and vegetable mixture so that it is well packed. Place the stuffed eggplants in a baking dish and cover with the cheese slices.
5. Final cooking: Bake the stuffed eggplants in the oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
6. Serving: Serve the stuffed eggplants warm, garnished with a little fresh dill. They pair perfectly with a green salad or a serving of basmati rice.
Practical tips:
- You can add other vegetables to the filling, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, to vary the recipe.
- If you prefer a more aromatic taste, you can use feta cheese instead of regular cheese.
- Make sure the eggplants are fresh; they should be firm and free of spots.
This stuffed eggplant recipe is not just a delicious option but also an excellent way to introduce vegetables into your diet. Try it and impress your family and friends with a dish that brings a touch of sunshine to your plate!
Ingredients: 3 eggplants, 1 boneless chicken breast, 1 onion, 1 cup of tomato juice, 1 bunch of dill, 3-4 slices of cheese, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 sprig of thyme, salt, pepper