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Betenjan Mahshi
Betenjan Mahshi is a beloved Middle Eastern dish that showcases the delicate flavors of stuffed eggplants. Each eggplant is lovingly filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, aromatic spices, and fresh herbs, all enveloped in a rich tomato sauce. This dish not only embodies the warmth of home cooking but also pays homage to centuries of culinary tradition in the Middle East, where eggplants are celebrated for their versatility and deliciousness. Serve with warm pita bread for a truly authentic experience!
Ingredients
- Eggplants
- 4 medium-sized
- Olive oil
- 3 tablespoons
- Salt
- 1 teaspoon, or to taste
- Black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
- Allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon
- Cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon
- Dried mint
- 1 tablespoon
- Fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup, chopped
- Tomato sauce
- 2 cups
- Garlic
- 3 cloves, minced
- Onion
- 1 large, chopped
- Rice
- 1 cup, uncooked
- Ground beef
- 1 pound
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Carefully cut off the tops of the eggplants and scoop out the flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch thick shell. Chop the eggplant flesh and set it aside for later use.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the chopped eggplant flesh, cooked rice, parsley, mint, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Stuff each eggplant shell with the beef and rice mixture, pressing down gently to pack it in.
- Place the stuffed eggplants in a baking dish, standing upright.
- Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the stuffed eggplants, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes.
- After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the eggplants are tender and the sauce is bubbly.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Tips
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with lentils or a mix of sautéed mushrooms and vegetables.
- You can add a squeeze of lemon juice on top before serving for a refreshing zing!
- Serve with a side of yogurt or a simple salad to balance the flavors.
Dietary Information
Servings: 4 Dish Type: Main Course Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour Calories: 450 Fat: 20g Carbs: 40g Protein: 25g Sodium: 600mg Sugar: 8g
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