Shexmahshi - Stuffed Eggplant

Welcome to a delightful culinary experience with Shexmahshi, a traditional dish that combines the earthy flavors of eggplants with a savory lamb or beef stuffing. This dish is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and offers a burst of flavors that are both comforting and satisfying. Serve it with a side of vermicelli rice for an unforgettable meal.

Ingredients

🥩 1 pound of lamb or ground beef
🫒 2 tablespoons olive oil
🧅 1 large onion, diced small
🧂 1/2 tablespoon salt
🌶 1 teaspoon black pepper
🌶 1 teaspoon chili flakes, or to taste
🌶 1 teaspoon paprika
🌿 1/2 teaspoon cumin
🌿 1/2 teaspoon coriander
🧄 1 teaspoon garlic powder
🍅 1 large tomato, diced small
🌿 1 cup of parsley
🍆 6 small eggplants (black nadia variety)
🥄 2 cups oil for frying the eggplants
💧 1 and 1/2 cups water
🟠 1 6oz can of tomato paste
🍗 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon
🌿 1/2 teaspoon dried mint

Instructions

1- Cook the Meat Filling:

• In a pan, brown the lamb or ground beef over medium heat for about 10 minutes.
• Add olive oil, diced onion, salt, black pepper, chili flakes, paprika, cumin, coriander, and garlic powder. Sauté for approximately 3 minutes.
• Incorporate the diced tomatoes and sauté for another 2 minutes.
• Mix in the parsley, then remove the pan from heat.

2- Prepare the Eggplants:

• Prick the eggplants several times with a fork.
• Fry them in oil on all sides until soft. This should take about 5 minutes.
• Once fried, place them in an oven-safe dish.
• Cut a slit in the middle of each eggplant, ensuring not to cut all the way through. Stuff them with the meat mixture.

3- Prepare the Sauce:

• Combine water, tomato paste, chicken bouillon, black pepper, and dried mint in a bowl. Mix well.

4- Bake the Dish:

• Pour the sauce over the stuffed eggplants in the oven-safe dish.
• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes.
• Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

5- Serve:

• Serve hot, accompanied by vermicelli rice.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Calories: Approximately 450 per serving (excluding rice)
Macros per Serving: Proteins - 25g, Fats - 30g, Carbohydrates - 20g
Equipment: Large frying pan, oven-safe dish, mixing bowl

Cooking Tips:

• Adjust spice levels to your preference.
• Use a toothpick to check if eggplants are soft after frying.
• Ensure the oven is preheated to ensure even cooking.

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Shexmahshi