Eggplant stuffed with cheese and nuts
May 24, 2010 • Category: Main Dish
What kind of shopper are you? Do you go to a store with a list, and check off the list? or do you buy what you see that tempts you?
These eggplants were small. They were thin. They were fresh.I could not resist.
I stuffed them with what I had in the fridge: Feta, Kashkaval, walnuts and herbs; made a quick tomato sauce to go with them. Done.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 1/2 pounds of long and thin eggplants
- 6 ounces of Feta cheese
- 6 ounces of shredded Kashkaval cheese (substitute Fontina or Provolone or mozzarella)
- 1/3 cup of chopped parsley
- 1/3 cup of finely chopped walnuts (optional)
- Spices: Hot Aleppo pepper, a pinch; 1 tablespoon of sumac or pomegranate molasses; nutmeg, a pinch
- Tomato Sauce: one onion, 3 cups of chopped tomatoes, salt, pepper, pinch of sugar.
- olive oil as needed
- Salt, for soaking the eggplants
METHOD:
- Wash the eggplants and peel; cut in half lengthwise, not all the way and sprinkle generously with salt and let it draw up the bitter juices for an hour or all day. Rinse and dry.
- Brush the eggplants with olive oil and roast in a 350F oven for 30 minutes flipping them to the other side until all the sides are brown.
- While the eggplants are roasting, place the cheeses, spices and parsley in a bowl. Remove the eggplants from the oven, cool a bit, then scrape the flesh out with a grapefruit spoon and mix in with the cheeses, walnuts and herbs.
- Stuff the eggplants with the cheese mixture; place them in an oven-proof dish, on top of the tomato sauce; bake in a 350F oven for 30 minutes.
NOTE: This is a cheese that is consumed on a daily basis by Lebanese folks; it originates in Bulgaria and is made of sheep’s milk.
Comments
75 Comments • Comments Feed
[ec_vancouver] || js says:
I’ve regained my love of eggplants — and this is one awesome preparation. Love the cheese and nuts combo.
On May 24, 2010 at 5:46 pm
Krista says:
You make the most beautiful things, Joumana! 🙂 You inspire me constantly and I love that. 🙂 Hope you have a gorgeous day!
On May 24, 2010 at 6:02 pm
Louise says:
Oh my that’s hysterical! I just this minute finished dinner and guess what I made? Stuffed eggplant!!! I stuffed mine with Provolone and anchovies. It was so good!!! Yours sure looks “prettier” than mine and I’m sure just as tasty or better!!!
Thanks for sharing…
P.S. I take a list but I usually forget its in the back pocket of my jeans:)
On May 24, 2010 at 6:03 pm
Mary says:
This looks wonderful. We are having off weather here in Oregon. It is damp and cold and your eggplant is just what we need here. I hope you are having a wonderful day. Blessings…Mary
On May 24, 2010 at 6:09 pm
A Canadian Foodie says:
Delicious. What a wonderful meal. I am surprised that the eggplant skins don’t shred when you scrape the flesh out of them. And the sauce is so Italian looking – but Surprise! Great middle eastern flavours! Done! You say. I love learning about the cheeses, too. It is a softer sheep’s milk cheese – than a pecarino….. but it must still have a very strong flavour. I do love a young Pecarino cheese – but find most sheep’s milk products too strong for my palate – though I love any kind of feta, almost! A perfect Spring meal!
🙂
Valerie
On May 24, 2010 at 6:29 pm
Bridgett says:
I am a big fan of eggplant and I know I would LOVE this dish.
On May 24, 2010 at 6:40 pm
SYLVIA says:
Eggplant with tomatoes are my favorite taste in the whole wide world. I love it so much I want to take it out of the computer. Bright flavores and the fresh food, the lushes red tomatoes are packed with lycopene, the tomato sauce is potent, and has heart protection, helps prevent some cancers, we should aim for ten tablespoon of a week.
Thanks Joumana, I now believe you are a food Goddess!!!!
On May 24, 2010 at 8:00 pm
Sook says:
Love your new profile picture! 🙂 This dish looks great. I am not a fan of eggplants but also open to the idea of trying them in different ways to see if I like them better in certain ways. Yours definitely looks so good.
On May 24, 2010 at 8:07 pm
T.W. Barritt says:
Love these long thin eggplants – can’t wait for them to come in from the farm! I shop with a list, almost all the time, but I’m trying to loosen up a little …
On May 24, 2010 at 8:10 pm
elra says:
Good food everyday. I just happen to love eggplant. I never made stuffed eggplant with cheese, but you just get me an idea what to cook tonight. Thank you.
On May 24, 2010 at 8:46 pm
Devaki says:
Dear Joumana –
I adore long thin Asian eggplants especially when they are stuffed with wonderful ingredients like yours. I usually just stuff them the traditional Asian way with shrimp.
I always love the unique way in which you combine ingredients & flavors. It is very earthy. That is what I admire about your food the most 🙂
Ciao, Devaki @ weavethousandflavors
On May 24, 2010 at 9:04 pm
Rosa says:
Just heavenly! I can’t wait to find seasonal eggplants!
Cheers,
Rosa
On May 24, 2010 at 9:19 pm
citronetvanille says:
je fais une liste quand je recois et que j’ai besoin de certains ingredients bien particuliers, sinon j’achète ce qui est frais, qui me plait et de saison. C’est vrai que de petites aubergines, sans pépins toutes tendres, c’est tentant! J’adore les plats végétariens comme celui-ci, elles sont trop appétissantes tes aubergines, parcontre je ne connaissais pas ce fromage bulgare, moi aussi quand je visite ton site, j’en apprend des choses! 🙂
On May 24, 2010 at 10:01 pm
Priya says:
Absolutely irresistible, makes me hungry..
On May 25, 2010 at 12:46 am
Katerina says:
As far as the shopping is concerned, I always begin with the best of intentions. I make my list in advance and go straight to the S/M. Now, in the process things change a little bit. Eventually, I buy not only what I had in my list, but a bunch of some other things I was attracted to. Eggplants, especially during this season, are excellent choice. Very yummy.
On May 25, 2010 at 12:50 am
Heavenly Housewife says:
This looks absolutely wonderful. I know I would love this dish. Its perfect for summer.
On May 25, 2010 at 1:27 am
Ivy says:
Eggplants and tomato sauce go so well together and paired with two of my favourite cheeses feta and kashkaval, they sound heavenly.
On May 25, 2010 at 2:04 am
Not Quite Nigella says:
Hmm I usually carry a list but if something catches my eye, you can bet I’ll buy it! 😛
On May 25, 2010 at 2:18 am
Sushma Mallya says:
very yummy dish, loved the cheesy stuffing…
On May 25, 2010 at 2:24 am
Cherine says:
I love eggplants and this looks absolutely delicious! I would love to try it 🙂
On May 25, 2010 at 2:56 am
tigerfish says:
I usually go to the store with a list. 😀 …if not, I will get distracted easily.
On May 25, 2010 at 3:11 am
sasa says:
If you were me, I only know gebratene auberginen.I like your recipes.
On May 25, 2010 at 3:32 am
Angie's Recipes says:
I am a bit of both…but even I visit the shops with a list, I would still come home with some extra items. Women..huh? :-)))
Delicious stuffed eggplants….very different and beautifully presented!
On May 25, 2010 at 3:41 am
Rajani says:
delicious, I can’t wait to try this!!
On May 25, 2010 at 3:55 am
oum mouncifrayan says:
excellente cette version!! merci du partage! bisous
On May 25, 2010 at 4:28 am
asia jo says:
OMG! My husband will die for it 🙂 This eggplant dish looks divine!
On May 25, 2010 at 4:45 am
Trissa says:
Well, as a shopper I always buy what tempts me! When I say your eggplant dish I could relate – sometimes you are walking down the aisle and then inspiration hits! The dish looks delicious especially with the nuts.
On May 25, 2010 at 6:14 am
Simply Life says:
oh what a great idea- this looks and sounds delicious!
On May 25, 2010 at 6:19 am
Katie@Cozydelicious says:
These look fantastic! All of that yummy cheese! I can’t resist beautiful produce either. I go to the store with a list and come out with a thousand other things.
On May 25, 2010 at 6:57 am
kim says:
I enjoy eggplants, but can’t have too much at home because my mom read somewhere that eating too much of this nightshade might be bad for eyesight. @_@
I always go to the supermarket with a written list, but I also usually end up with a few extra items in my bag. 🙂
I feel like dipping the tomato sauce with some pitas right now, heeh.
On May 25, 2010 at 7:07 am
Suman says:
hmm…..usually i go with a list for groceries but cannot help buying stuff that appeals me…especially in case of fruits and veggies…:)…that stuffed eggplant looks delicious…we make something similar to this and its called bhartta…eggplants are my fav…thanks for sharing this!
On May 25, 2010 at 7:44 am
Erica says:
Yum! This sounds heavenly! I will definitely try to make this soon! 🙂
On May 25, 2010 at 8:05 am
TastyTrix says:
I love this dish! I usually have a list, because I am a nerd and think it’s fun to make lists … but then if I am tempted by something, I never resist! (And by the way, yes I would try to make Mongolian and Tibetan food … you have me thinking!!)
On May 25, 2010 at 8:11 am
sweetlife says:
stuffed eggplant, how great and perfect for a light lunch..and with this texas heat..I crave lighter food..
sweetlife
On May 25, 2010 at 8:16 am
lisaiscooking says:
I shop with a list and also buy what looks interesting. And, I usually forget several things and have to go back to the store later! Your eggplant looks delicious. The Aleppo pepper in the filling is great.
On May 25, 2010 at 8:19 am
sophia says:
What kind of shopper am I? It depends on what kind of things I’m shopping for. Clothes? Then I have no plans, and I usually don’t buy much unless they are ridiculously cheap. Food? I have plans, but I also buy out of impulse. 🙂
this eggplant dish is gorgeous. Cheese…AND nuts. Awesome!
On May 25, 2010 at 8:42 am
Azita says:
this looks incredibly delicious! I usually go to the store with a list but end up buying what tempts me too. love your new profile picture!
On May 25, 2010 at 8:57 am
bellini valli says:
Very good call on what to do with these tiny eggplants.
On May 25, 2010 at 9:15 am
momgateway says:
eggplants with eggs and nuts is my fave vegetarian dish…lovely!
On May 25, 2010 at 9:18 am
Evelyne@CheapEthnicEatz says:
Oh your stuffed eggplants look divine. I do go with a list to the store but can definitely be tempted if a special/new items catches my attention!
On May 25, 2010 at 10:38 am
Kristen says:
I am not so good with lists, I am more of an impulse buyer. Plus, I like to test my memory that way. I am always surprised by people who don’t like eggplant, or think they don’t.
On May 25, 2010 at 10:50 am
grace says:
this is precisely how i like my eggplant prepared–it’s limp but oh-so-delicious! 🙂
On May 25, 2010 at 11:23 am
Sweta says:
Oh I must try this version of the eggplant-I have a feeling I’m going to like the taste of the cheese in it 🙂
On May 25, 2010 at 12:15 pm
The London Foodie says:
I love the look of your stuffed aubergines – feta, walnuts and tomatoes are also some of my favourite ingredients. Lovely recipe!
Luiz @ The London Foodie
On May 25, 2010 at 12:54 pm
Sarah says:
you always delight with your recipes and presentation, a modern take on a wonderful cuisine.
I am the kind of shopper that buys whatever looks beautiful,I need to stop that as I end up bringing too much home.
On May 25, 2010 at 12:56 pm
Rachana Kothari says:
I love eggplants and this is simply irresistible 🙂
On May 25, 2010 at 1:02 pm
Doc says:
Fantastic as always! Nice spring meal or grill accompaniment for this weekend.
On May 25, 2010 at 2:01 pm
Cool Lassi(e) says:
Very tempting and mouthwatering eggplant recipe. I love small and tender eggplants the best! I am an impulsive shopper. I do go there with a list but I tend to overbuy.:)
On May 25, 2010 at 2:28 pm
Faith says:
I always go shopping with a list…but I always see tempting items that I can’t pass up! 🙂 This looks really delicious — it reminds me of makdous which I really love! I love the cheese in this dish.
On May 25, 2010 at 4:01 pm
Sara says:
I absolutely love this eggplant dish!!! I love eggplants too!! I have never tried keshkeval cheese but I will have to try it now for your recipe!!! 🙂
On May 25, 2010 at 4:06 pm
rebecca says:
wow love eggplant go to Cambridge its wonderful!
On May 25, 2010 at 4:10 pm
Gourmet Chick says:
I am a complete egg plant addict and this looks amazing – ps I like how you call them egg plants and not aubergines!
On May 25, 2010 at 4:55 pm
Pamela says:
Wow! I just got here from “Vagabonde’s” blog and I am so happy to have found you, I used to have a cooking blog, but I hardly update it. I am an eggplant fan, and this is so much like what I cooked Sunday, only I cut the eggplant in slices, I shall totally try it this way, it looks so nice! Thank you so very much for the recipe!
On May 25, 2010 at 5:24 pm
Joan Nova says:
Eggplant is one of my favorite vegetables and this stuffed version looks delicious. I, too, add nuts to lots of dishes. they add flavor and texture.
On May 25, 2010 at 5:53 pm
Koko says:
Gosh, this looks great. I don’t think i can resist either!
On May 25, 2010 at 5:59 pm
Cara says:
looks so good! I planted two kinds of eggplant in my garden this year. One if globe-like and the other is small and thin… and will be freshly picked of course! I can’t wait to stuff them just like this!
On May 25, 2010 at 7:10 pm
FOODESSA says:
I really enjoy making dishes with eggplant. Unfortunately, lately…they’ve been less than satisfactory around my market. I’ll have to wait to try out your recipe with this lovely sheep’s milk cheese…so much easier on the digestion;o)
Thanks Joumana.
Flavourful wishes, Claudia
On May 25, 2010 at 7:18 pm
3hungrytummies says:
This is to die for..I must look for the cheese!
On May 25, 2010 at 7:46 pm
Mimi says:
Delicious! I can’t wait for my garden eggplants to give this a try.
Mimi
On May 25, 2010 at 10:15 pm
Grapefruit says:
Ooh, wow – this is right up my alley. I really love eggplant and always looking for new ways to make it. Thanks for sharing!
On May 26, 2010 at 2:00 am
Maninas says:
I go out shopping with a list (more or less specific, e.g. ‘fruit’ or ‘strawberries, pineapple, etc.’ But I also buy things that tempt me, fruit and veg that looks particularly good and fresh, etc.
I adore eggplants/aubergines. Can’t wait to have them in season here!
On May 26, 2010 at 3:04 am
pigpigscorner says:
I try to make a list, but I often miss out something and most of the time, I end up buying a lot of other random things. Eggplant is one of them! I love eggplant!
On May 26, 2010 at 3:36 am
Karolina says:
I have tried Kashkaval before in Bulgaria and it is delicious. Unfortunately it is diffucult to get hold of in Yorkshire Dales. I can imagine how well it goes with one of my favourite veg.
On May 26, 2010 at 6:15 am
Muneeba says:
I always shop at my grocery store with a list … but sometimes if I see something that I can’t resist (like when blood oranges make an appearance) I do succumb! Only when I go to farmers’ market, THEN I let myself be spontaneous 🙂 The eggplants do look delectable .. love what u did with them!
On May 26, 2010 at 8:00 am
Melissa says:
Kashkaval! Boy does this bring back memories. My mother would use kashkaval and kezo (sp?) in her bourekas.
This recipe looks scrumptious. I am a terrible cook, but I am going to give this a try.
Melissa
On May 26, 2010 at 12:38 pm
tobias cooks! says:
The nuts are a great addition!
On May 26, 2010 at 2:45 pm
chris @ Caribbeanpot.com says:
This looks like a “refined” eggplant choka (a dish we make in the Caribbean). Being one of my fave vegetables, I’ll be giving this one a try.
happy cooking
chris
On May 26, 2010 at 10:03 pm
Magdalena says:
Miam miam! I love eggplant in every kind of of preparation with cheese and tomatoes!
As regards your question: I rather go to a shop with my list; this allows to avoid buying a lot of unnecessary products, which then will rotten in the fridge and will be wasted. However, exceptions happens and if I see some nice vegetables or meat, I do not have particular problems to change my shopping list. Have a nice day!
On May 27, 2010 at 8:38 am
Nadia says:
I am the impulse buyer for sure. I buy what looks good to me.
I love eggplant with cheese. One of my favorites is eggplant parmesan. This is similar but with way more complex flavors. It might become a new favorite. yummmyyyy 🙂
On May 28, 2010 at 7:08 pm