Bethica's Kitchen Flavours: Sheikh Al Mahshi (Stuffed Eggplants

All the eggplant lovers out there, do try this absolutely yummy Lebanese style Stuffed Eggplant. It is a must try recipe and am sure it will be very much appreciated. It is an exotic dish where slit eggplants are deep fried, stuffed with cooked mutton keema and then baked to perfection.

It is quite easy to prepare and this delicacy can be relished with Roz Abiad (white rice) or Roz Abiad Bil Bazela (white rice cooked with green peas) for a sumptuous meal. So dish out this lebanese delicacy by following a step by step pictorial recipe to prepare it.

200 gms. mutton mince, washed & drained
1-2 tbsp. olive oil + oil to deep fry
1 onion, chopped
2-3 garlic cloves, chopped
1-2 green chilies, chopped
salt to taste
1/2 tsp. turmeric powder
1/2 tsp. red chili powder
1/2 tsp. garam masala powder
2 tbsp. coriander leaves, chopped
5-6 medium eggplants (or 10-12 small eggplants), washed & drained
2-3 tbsp. tomato paste mixed with 1 cup water, pinch of salt & pepper

Heat 2 tbsp. olive oil and saute the garlic, green chilies and onions till light brown. Add the drained mince and all the dry spices.

Cover and cook on a low flame till all the moisture is absorbed and it is cooked. Switch off the flame and add the coriander leaves. Mix well and keep aside to cool.

Peel the eggplants in strips lengthwise. Make a slit in each one and deep fry them till it is almost cooked. Drain and keep aside to cool.

Stuff each eggplant with the prepared mince and transfer them to a baking dish. Pour the tomato puree on top of the eggplants.

Bake for 12-15 minutes at 180 degree C. and serve with Roz Abiad (White Rice) or Roz Abiad Bil Bazela (White Rice with Peas & Bell Peppers). It can also be relished with any Indian bread too, a la Indian style.