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Eggplant with minced meat, also known as baba ganoush, is a popular Mediterranean dish made from eggplant and a mixture of minced meat, garlic, lemon juice and olive oil. It's one of those dishes that you either love or hate but there's no in-between when it comes to this one. However, don't let the unusual combination put you off trying this dish because once you've tasted it, you will want to make it again and again. Eggplant with minced meat is so easy to make at home and can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. Whether you are looking for something different or just trying to eat more vegetables, this simple recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy healthier eating habits.
Ingredients
Eggplant - 1 large or 2 small ones will be enough for 2-3 people, depending on how much you like, you can also roast the eggplant first before making baba ganoush. Tomatoes - 1 can, or fresh tomatoes sliced or diced. Lemon - 1, squeezed in the end, depending on your taste. Onion - 1 small onion, sliced. Garlic - 2 cloves, crushed. Cumin - 1 tsp, ground Paprika - 1 tsp, ground Pepper - 1 tsp, ground Salt - To taste. Meat - 1/2 cup of minced meat, pork, lamb or beef are recommended, chicken can also be used, but is not as good.
Why you should eat eggplant
This delicious vegetable is abundant in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. It is low in calories and fat, and has no cholesterol. Nutritionists recommend eating eggplant almost every day because of its health benefits. Here are just a few of the health benefits of eggplant: - It has been shown to reduce blood pressure and heart disease risk. - It boosts the immune system, and is thought to prevent certain cancers. - It’s rich in fiber, which is good for digestion, and helps maintain good bowel health. - It contains iron, which is important for healthy blood, and helps prevent anemia. - It’s a good source of potassium, which is important for maintaining a healthy heart.
How to make baba ganoush
- Preheat oven to 350°F/180°C. - Slice the eggplant and place them on a baking tray or in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil and bake for 15 minutes. - In a pot, cook the minced meat with chopped onions and crushed garlic until the meat is cooked. - Add paprika, cumin, pepper and salt and mix well. - Once the eggplant is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool. - Squeeze the juice from half a lemon and mix with the baked eggplant and minced meat. - Place the mix in a baking dish and bake for 10 minutes. - Garnish with chopped tomatoes and freshly chopped parsley. - Serve warm with bread, pita or naan.
Ways to make eggplant less bitter
One of the most common problems of eggplant is that it can be quite bitter. To make sure that you’re making a tasty dish, here are a few things you can do: - Use a variety of eggplant that is less likely to be bitter. - Choose smaller eggplants over larger ones, as they are more likely to be sweeter. - Cut off the ends of the eggplant, where bitterness is most likely to build up. - Add salt to the eggplant while you’re salting the water for pasta or rice. - Use less oil or bake instead of frying your eggplant.
Tips for making the best baba ganoush
- If you want to enrich the flavour of the baba ganoush, you can roast the eggplants in the oven first before you make the dish. - You can also add some cherry tomatoes for extra flavour. - Add chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, basil or mint for extra flavour. - You can add roasted bell peppers for extra flavour. - You can replace the minced meat with tofu or canned tuna if you prefer a vegetarian or fish dish. - For a vegan version, you can use roasted and mashed avocado instead of meat. - If you want to add some zing to your dish, use lemon instead of lime. - You can also make baba ganoush without roasting the eggplant.
Conclusion
Eggplant with minced meat is a great appetizer to serve at a dinner with friends, or as a quick and easy family meal. It's a delicious, exotic vegetarian dish that you can make in just a few minutes. This dish is quite versatile, so feel free to experiment with different flavour combinations and spices. If you are trying to eat more vegetables, this is a great recipe to start with. Enjoy this delicious recipe for eggplant with minced meat, and don't forget to share it with your friends and family!
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