Best 2 Couscous Stuffed Eggplant Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Embark on a culinary journey with this comprehensive guide to crafting a tantalizing dish of couscous stuffed eggplant, a delightful symphony of flavors and textures. Discover the secrets to succulent eggplants, expertly roasted to retain their smoky yet tender essence. Learn how to prepare a flavorful and aromatic couscous filling, infused with a harmonious blend of spices, herbs, and vegetables that complement the eggplant's rich taste. Unravel the art of assembling this vibrant dish, ensuring each eggplant is meticulously stuffed and baked to perfection, resulting in a mesmerizing presentation that entices the senses.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

STUFFED EGGPLANT WITH ISRAELI COUSCOUS



Stuffed Eggplant with Israeli Couscous image

Spice up your side dish spread with stuffed eggplants that are halved and roasted in foil packets before being filled with toasted Israeli couscous flavored with allspice, cinnamon, bay leaves, parsley and feta cheese. A garnish of juicy pomegranate seeds provides a burst of fresh fruit flavor to this Middle Eastern-inspired dish from Kelly Senyei of Just a Taste.

Provided by Reynolds Kitchens(R)

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     Reynolds®

Time 55m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 medium eggplants
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons minced garlic
¾ cup Israeli couscous, uncooked
½ teaspoon allspice
2 dried bay leaves
1 cinnamon stick
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup pomegranate seeds
1 sheet Reynolds Wrap® Aluminum Foil

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise, wrap each half in a sheet of Reynolds Wrap® Aluminum Foil and arrange them on a baking sheet. Roast the eggplants until the centers are soft and tender, about 30 minutes. Unwrap the eggplants and scoop out the center pulp, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges of each eggplant. Roughly chop the reserved pulp and set it aside.
  • Add the olive oil to a medium saucepan set over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly for 1 minute, then add the couscous, allspice, bay leaves and cinnamon stick and cook, stirring constantly, for an additional 2 minutes.
  • Add the chicken broth and 1/2 teaspoon salt then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the mixture to a simmer, cover the saucepan, and cook the couscous until it is tender and the liquid has absorbed, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove the bay leaves and cinnamon stick. Stir in the reserved eggplant, parsley and feta cheese, then divide the couscous mixture evenly among the eggplants.
  • Arrange the stuffed eggplants on a foil-lined baking sheet and return them to the oven, uncovered, and bake until they are warmed throughout, about 5 minutes. Remove the eggplants from the oven, top them with pomegranate seeds and serve immediately.

COUSCOUS-STUFFED EGGPLANT



Couscous-Stuffed Eggplant image

Eggplant shells cradle a filling of couscous, ricotta, and roasted garlic.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Pasta and Grains

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/2 head garlic
4 small eggplant
2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, peeled and finely chopped
1 yellow or red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup uncooked couscous
1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest (2 lemons), finely chopped
1/4 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus more for garnish
1/2 pound red and yellow cherry tomatoes, cut into eighths

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 400 degrees. Wrap garlic in aluminum foil. Cook until cloves are soft, 20 to 30 minutes. Let cool, and squeeze the soft garlic from the cloves; set aside.
  • Cut 3 eggplant in half lengthwise, and place the 6 halves cut side up on a cutting board. Using a paring knife, cut around the perimeters, leaving a 1/3-inch-wide border and being careful not to cut through skin. Cutting down through flesh, cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch-wide strips. Using a small spoon, scoop out the strips, keeping skin intact. Cut strips into 1/4-inch dice. Set both the diced eggplant and shells aside. Cut the remaining eggplant, skin on, into 1/4-inch dice. Set aside.
  • In a large skillet set over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add onion, and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and slightly browned, 4 to 6 minutes. Add all diced eggplant, bell pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cover; cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, 6 to 8 minutes. If mixture starts to become dry, add the additional tablespoon olive oil. Set aside.
  • Place couscous in a medium heat-proof bowl. Pour 1 cup boiling water over couscous. Cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let sit until slightly cooled, 10 to 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Add lemon zest, ricotta, parsley, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add the reserved eggplant mixture, the roasted garlic, and cherry tomatoes. Stir to combine.
  • Fill each reserved eggplant shell with couscous mixture. Cover with aluminum foil. Bake until warm throughout and shell has softened, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove foil, and continue cooking until tops are toasty brown, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven. Sprinkle with parsley, and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 222 g, Cholesterol 3 g, Fat 8 g, Fiber 5 g, Protein 6 g, Sodium 379 g

Tips:

  • Choose the right eggplant: Select firm, glossy eggplants with smooth skin. Avoid those with blemishes or bruises.
  • Soak the eggplant: Soaking the eggplant in salted water helps to remove the bitterness and reduce the cooking time.
  • Use a variety of vegetables: Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables for the stuffing, such as zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms.
  • Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, and mint add a burst of flavor to the stuffing.
  • Don't overcook the vegetables: The vegetables should be tender but still have a slight crunch.
  • Serve with a sauce: A simple tomato sauce or yogurt sauce is a great way to complement the stuffed eggplant.

Conclusion:

Couscous-stuffed eggplant is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. It's a great way to use up leftover vegetables and it's also a good source of fiber and protein. With a little planning and preparation, you can easily make this dish at home.

Related Topics