Best 9 Eggplant And Lamb Al Forno Recipes

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Eggplant and lamb al forno is a classic Italian dish that combines the rich flavor of lamb with the tender texture of eggplant. This dish is often served as a main course, and can be paired with various side dishes such as pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables. The eggplant and lamb are typically cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce, and the dish is often topped with cheese before being baked in the oven. With its combination of savory flavors and textures, eggplant and lamb al forno is sure to be a hit at your next dinner party.

Here are our top 9 tried and tested recipes!

EGGPLANT AND LAMB AL FORNO



Eggplant and Lamb al Forno image

This Mediterranean dish, layering eggplant and lamb, is a baked feast for cooler weather days.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Lamb Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 12

Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 medium eggplants, (about 1 1/2 pounds total), ends trimmed, cut into six 1/4-inch-thick rounds each
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 1/4 pounds ground lamb
1 can (28-ounce) whole peeled plum tomatoes, drained
2 teaspoons coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon dry breadcrumbs

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Salt eggplant well, arrange in colanders, and place weighted bowls on top. Let drain for 30 minutes. Rinse and dry.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, 1 teaspoon salt, and 3/4 teaspoon black pepper; cook until tender, 7 to 10 minutes. Add oregano, cinnamon, cumin, and cayenne; cook 2 minutes more. Add lamb, and cook until it browns, about 5 minutes. Drain fat from pan. Break up tomatoes, and add to pan. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until sauce starts to thicken, about 8 minutes.
  • Place 4 eggplant slices in an 8-inch square baking pan, and top with a third of the sauce. Repeat twice, making 4 3-layer stacks. Combine 1 teaspoon parsley and breadcrumbs; sprinkle over the top.
  • Cover with foil, and bake for 1 hour. Remove foil, and bake for 10 to 15 minutes more. Sprinkle with remaining parsley; serve hot.

EGGPLANT WITH LAMB AND PINE NUTS



Eggplant With Lamb and Pine Nuts image

A recipe from Jeff Smith. Rounds of eggplant topped with lamb in a flavorful sauce. You could serve this as a light main course, a side or even as an appetizer!

Provided by LifeIsGood

Categories     Lamb/Sheep

Time 50m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 lb ground lean lamb
1 medium yellow onion, peeled and chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
4 tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup tomato sauce, canned
1/4 cup red wine
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice
3 tablespoons pine nuts (you might want to add more for personal taste)
1 large eggplant

Steps:

  • Brown the lamb, onion and garlic in the oil, in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the meat is browned, add the salt, pepper, tomato sauce, red wine, cinnamon, allspice and pine nuts. Cook for about 15 minutes while the sauce reduces a little.
  • Cut the eggplant into 1/2 inch slices. Lightly brown them in a separate skillet with just a touch of olive oil. Turn and brown the other sides. Do not overcook, just brown them.
  • Place the eggplant slices on a baking sheet and spread some of the filling on each.
  • Bake in a 375 degree F. oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until it is all hot and the eggplant is tender.

GREEK-STYLE LAMB AND EGGPLANT LASAGNE



Greek-Style Lamb and Eggplant Lasagne image

Categories     Cheese     Dairy     Lamb     Pasta     Vegetable     Bake     Winter     Gourmet

Yield Serves 8 as a main course

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 pounds eggplant (about 2 medium)
olive oil for brushing
For meat sauce
2 large onions, chopped (about 2 cups)
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 pounds ground lamb (preferably 10% fat)
a 28- to 32-ounce can whole tomatoes with juice
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
For white sauce
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups milk
1 large egg, lightly beaten
an 8-ounce package feta, crumbled (about 1 1/2 cups)
twelve 7- by 3 1/2-inch sheets dry no-boil lasagne pasta

Steps:

  • Cut eggplant lengthwise into 1/3-inch-thick slices and sprinkle slices on both sides with salt. Arrange eggplant in a large colander and weight it with a heavy bowl. Drain eggplant 1 hour. Remove bowl and pat eggplant dry.
  • Set broiler rack so that eggplant will be about 4 inches from heat and preheat broiler.
  • Arrange eggplant in one layer in oiled shallow baking pans and brush with oil. Broil eggplant until golden, about 3 minutes on each side.
  • Make meat sauce:
  • In a large heavy non-stick skillet cook onions and garlic in oil over moderate heat, stirring, until softened. Add lamb and cook, stirring to break up, until it is no longer pink, about 3 minutes. Stir in remaining meat sauce ingredients and salt and pepper to taste and simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes. Meat sauce may be made 3 days ahead, cooled completely, and chilled, covered.
  • Make white sauce while meat sauce is cooking:
  • In a heavy saucepan melt butter over moderately low heat and whisk in flour until smooth. Cook roux, whisking, 3 minutes. Whisk in milk in a stream and salt and pepper to taste and simmer, whisking occasionally, 5 minutes, or until thick. Whisk in egg, whisking vigorously, and simmer sauce, whisking, 1 minute. White sauce may be made 2 days ahead and chilled, its surface covered with plastic wrap.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • Pour 1 cup meat sauce into a flame-proof baking dish, 13 by 9 by 2 inches (sauce will not cover bottom completely), and cover with 3 lasagne sheets, making sure they do not touch each other. Spread about 1 1/2 cups meat sauce over pasta and arrange 1 layer broiled eggplant on top. Gently spread about 1/2 cup white sauce over eggplant and sprinkle with about 1/3 cup feta. Make 2 more layers in same manner, beginning and ending with pasta. Spread remaining white sauce evenly over top pasta layer, making sure pasta is completely covered, and sprinkle with remaining feta.
  • Cover dish tightly with foil, tenting slightly to prevent foil from touching top layer, and bake in middle of oven 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake lasagne 10 minutes more, or until top is bubbling.
  • Set broiler rack so that lasagne will be about 4 inches from heat and preheat broiler.
  • Broil lasagna 1 to 2 minutes, or until golden. Let lasagne stand 5 minutes before serving.

MAUREEN ABOOD'S EGGPLANT WITH LAMB, TOMATO AND PINE NUTS



Maureen Abood's Eggplant With Lamb, Tomato and Pine Nuts image

With its layers of golden eggplant, cinnamon-scented lamb, and sweet tomato sauce topped with melted cheese, this traditional Lebanese dish is made for celebratory meals and gatherings. Even better, it's just as good served warm or room temperature as it is hot from the oven. It also reheats well, meaning that you can bake it the day before, and reheat it before serving if you like. Pull it out of the refrigerator, let it come to room temperature for an hour, then reheat it covered for about 40 minutes at 350 degrees.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories     dinner, lunch, casseroles, main course

Time 2h

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 large firm eggplants, cut into 1/2-inch slices
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons kosher salt, more as needed
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound ground lamb or beef (80 percent lean)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Black pepper
1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 cup pine nuts
1 (28-ounce) can tomato sauce, or 31/2 cups homemade sauce (see recipe)
12 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced

Steps:

  • Heat broiler and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment.
  • Brush both sides of eggplant slices with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt. Arrange slices on prepared baking sheet and broil in batches until they are deep mahogany brown, turning once halfway through, 5 to 7 minutes per side.
  • Adjust the oven to 375 degrees with rack positioned in the center.
  • In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, but not browned, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add ground lamb or beef, stirring frequently and breaking up meat into very small pieces with the side of a metal spoon. Season with remaining teaspoon salt, cinnamon and pepper. Sauté until meat is just cooked through. Taste and add more salt or pepper, or both, as needed.
  • In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add pine nuts and reduce heat to medium-low. Stir nuts to coat them with butter and continue stirring constantly until nuts are golden brown, 2 to 4 minutes. Keep a close watch over the nuts; they can burn quickly once they begin to brown. Transfer nuts to a bowl while still warm and salt them lightly.
  • Coat a 13-by-9-by-2-inch baking dish with remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Spread 1/2 cup of tomato sauce in the bottom of the dish. Lay 1/3 of the eggplant slices in a single layer over the sauce, covering as much surface area of the bottom of the dish as possible. Spoon half the meat evenly over eggplant. Pour 1/3 of the remaining tomato sauce evenly over meat. Sprinkle with 1/3 of the pine nuts. Layer again with eggplant, meat, tomato sauce and pine nuts. Finish with a layer of eggplant and cover with more tomato sauce, sprinkling top with pine nuts.
  • Pour 1 cup warm water around the perimeter of the baking dish. (Sauce will thicken as it bakes.) Cover pan with foil and bake for 90 minutes. Remove foil and top eggplant evenly with mozzarella. Bake for 15 minutes longer, uncovered, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden. Serve eggplant warm, over rice.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 478, UnsaturatedFat 20 grams, Carbohydrate 18 grams, Fat 37 grams, Fiber 7 grams, Protein 23 grams, SaturatedFat 13 grams, Sodium 854 milligrams, Sugar 10 grams, TransFat 0 grams

MAMA'S OH-SO-SAVORY LAMB AND EGGPLANT CASSEROLE



Mama's Oh-So-Savory Lamb and Eggplant Casserole image

The basis of this recipe came from my 4th grade teacher's mother who was Armenian, and I've been making it for over 50 years. It is easy to put together, but the longer the stovetop step simmers, the better the casserole will be when served. Leftovers are yummy! You could serve this over rice, if you like, with a green salad. I just serve it in pasta bowls with crusty bread, butter, and a nice glass of red wine. Enjoy!

Provided by MAMA2EANDJ

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Lamb     Ground

Time 2h35m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 (1 pound) eggplant, cut into 1-inch cubes
salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large sweet onion, coarsely chopped
2 large stalks celery, sliced
½ teaspoon ground cumin
2 pinches dried oregano
2 pinches ground dried rosemary
2 pinches paprika
⅛ teaspoon dried mint
1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 ½ teaspoons garlic, minced
3 tomatoes, coarsely chopped
1 cup chicken broth
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 pound ground lamb
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lemon, juiced, or to taste

Steps:

  • Place eggplant in a colander set in a bowl or the sink; sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and toss to coat. Let eggplant stand for at least 1 hour. Rinse off the bitter liquid and excess salt and drain well.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in onion and celery; cook and stir until onion has softened and turned translucent and celery is fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  • While vegetables are cooking, combine ground cumin, oregano, rosemary, paprika, mint, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or mortar and pestle and mix well; this is the lamb seasoning (see Cook's Note). Set seasoning aside.
  • Stir eggplant cubes and garlic into the vegetables in the skillet, mixing well, and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Add chopped tomatoes and sprinkle with half of the lamb seasoning mixture. Reserve remaining seasoning. Stir gently and cook for 5 minutes more.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
  • Pour chicken broth and half the can of tomato sauce into the skillet and simmer for 10 minutes; add a little water if the sauce starts to get dry. Transfer the sauce to the prepared casserole dish.
  • Return the skillet to the stove over medium-high heat and heat the reserved tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Place ground lamb into skillet and sprinkle with remaining seasoning mixture. Brown lamb in the hot oil, stirring frequently, until the meat is evenly browned; it should look like imperfect meatballs.
  • Gently transfer the lamb to the casserole dish, pushing it down into the vegetable mixture so that it is at least partially submerged. Stir fresh lemon juice into the remaining tomato sauce and pour the sauce over the casserole.
  • Bake uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending upon how tender you like your vegetables.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 384.6 calories, Carbohydrate 22.6 g, Cholesterol 77.2 mg, Fat 23.2 g, Fiber 8.4 g, Protein 24 g, SaturatedFat 7.5 g, Sodium 1471.2 mg, Sugar 12.2 g

LAMB AND EGGPLANT PASTITSIO



Lamb and Eggplant Pastitsio image

Categories     Milk/Cream     Lamb     Pasta     Tomato     Bake     Feta     Eggplant     Fall     Gourmet

Yield Makes 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 24

For lamb sauce
1 large onion, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb lean ground lamb
1 garlic clove, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 lb eggplant, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 (28- to 32-oz) can crushed tomatoes
For cheese sauce
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 garlic clove
1 whole clove
1/2 lb feta, crumbled
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs
For pasta
10 oz penne (3 cups)

Steps:

  • Make lamb sauce:
  • Cook onion in oil in a 4-quart heavy pot over moderately low heat, stirring, until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Add lamb and sauté over moderately high heat, stirring and breaking up lumps, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, salt, oregano, cinnamon, sugar, and pepper and sauté, stirring, 2 minutes.
  • Stir in eggplant and tomatoes and gently simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until eggplant is just tender, about 40 minutes. Remove lid and simmer, stirring occasionally, until sauce is thickened, about 15 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Preheat oven to 425°F.
  • Make cheese sauce and cook pasta while lamb sauce is simmering:
  • Melt butter in a 2-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat, then stir in flour and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Whisk in milk and add garlic clove and whole clove, then bring to a boil, whisking constantly. Reduce heat and simmer, whisking occasionally, 5 minutes. Add feta, salt, and pepper and cook, whisking vigorously, until cheese is well incorporated.
  • Beat eggs in a large bowl and gradually add sauce to eggs, whisking.
  • Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until just al dente, then drain in a colander. Toss half of pasta with lamb sauce and half with cheese sauce.
  • Assemble pastitsio:
  • Pour pasta with lamb sauce into a wide shallow 3-quart baking dish, spreading evenly. Spoon pasta with cheese sauce on top, spreading evenly.
  • Bake pastitsio, uncovered, in middle of oven until bubbling and top is golden, 25 to 30 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

INDIAN LAMB-AND-EGGPLANT NAPOLEON



Indian Lamb-And-Eggplant Napoleon image

Provided by Florence Fabricant

Categories     dinner, lunch, appetizer, main course

Time 1h30m

Yield Four servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 eggplant, about 1 1/2 pounds
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons, plus 1 1/2 cups, vegetable oil
1 teaspoon black mustard seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin seeds
2 medium-size onions, chopped
1 small hot green chili, seeded and minced
3/4 pound lean ground lamb
3 medium-size ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped
Cayenne pepper to taste
1 slice peeled fresh ginger, about 3/4-inch thick, finely minced
1 small bunch coriander, minced
8 ounces plain yogurt
8 Indian pappadums (available at most specialty markets)

Steps:

  • Dice the eggplant, sprinkle it with salt and set it aside for 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat the 2 tablespoons of oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. When they start to smell aromatic and pop, about 1 to 2 minutes, add the onions. Saute until the onions are tender, about 5 minutes, then add the chili. Stir in the lamb. Continue to saute until the lamb has lost its red color and is finely broken up, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat.
  • Drain and rinse the eggplant. Pat the pieces dry on paper towels. Reheat the lamb mixture in the skillet, add 1 more tablespoon of the oil and add the eggplant. Cook, stirring, until the eggplant has lost its dryness, about 10 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes. Cover and simmer until the eggplant is tender, about 20 minutes.
  • Season to taste with salt and cayenne pepper and set aside until ready to serve.
  • Combine the ginger, coriander and yogurt and set aside.
  • Heat the remaining oil in a wok or skillet. Add one of the pappadums. As soon as it begins to curl, about 15 to 20 seconds, turn it over using tongs or chopsticks. Flatten it in the pan and cook another few seconds. It should not darken. Drain on paper towels and repeat with the remaining pappadums.
  • To assemble, reheat the eggplant and lamb mixture. Place a pappadum on each of 4 plates, top with a quarter of the lamb mixture, then cover with another pappadum. Spoon some of the yogurt mixture on top and serve with steamed rice, if desired.

EGGPLANT AND LAMB STEW



Eggplant and Lamb Stew image

The Arabic name (which I can't remember) means 'It cooks itself.' Most Middle Eastern food is time-consuming to make; this name implies that the cook is embarrassed to serve something so simple. Best served over rice.

Provided by KELLYJEANNE

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Stews

Time 2h15m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 tablespoons butter
1 ½ pounds lamb shoulder
2 large eggplants, peeled and chopped
2 large tomatoes, chopped
2 large onions, chopped
2 green bell peppers, chopped
10 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
½ cup water
1 teaspoon allspice
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

  • In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat, and brown the lamb on all sides. Mix in the eggplants, tomatoes, onions, green bell peppers, and garlic. Cook and stir until tender and lightly browned.
  • In a small bowl, blend the tomato paste and water. Mix into the pot with the lamb. Season lamb with allspice, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat, and simmer about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meat shreds easily with a fork. Add a little water as necessary to keep the ingredients moist.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 291.9 calories, Carbohydrate 20.8 g, Cholesterol 68.2 mg, Fat 16.2 g, Fiber 8.4 g, Protein 18.2 g, SaturatedFat 7.4 g, Sodium 871.3 mg, Sugar 8.6 g

EGGPLANTS STUFFED WITH LAMB, RICE, AND CURRANTS



Eggplants Stuffed with Lamb, Rice, and Currants image

A small amount of ground lamb adds a lot of flavor to this dish, which is further enhanced by the meatiness of the eggplant.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Lamb Recipes

Time 1h25m

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 ounces ground lamb (90 percent lean)
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
1 2/3 cups chicken stock
1 cup short-grain brown rice
3 tablespoons dried currants
4 small eggplants (about 8 ounces each)
1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
Garnish: chopped fresh parsley and mint,and finely grated lemon zest

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in an ovenproof pot over medium heat. Cook onion, stirring often, until soft and lightly caramelized, 10 to 12 minutes. Add lamb, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook until lamb is cooked through and no longer pink, 3 to 4 minutes. Add stock, rice, and currants. Bring to a simmer. Cover, and transfer to oven on lowest rack. Cook for 1 hour and 20 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, slice eggplants in half lengthwise; brush each cut side with 1/4 teaspoon oil. Roast, cut sides up, on a rimmed baking sheet on top oven rack until centers are soft and tops are browned, about 40 minutes. Let cool.
  • Gently scrape eggplant flesh into a large bowl, reserving skins. Stir in lamb-rice mixture, chopped herbs, and lemon zest. Divide stuffing among eggplant skins. Garnish with more herbs and lemon zest.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 376 g, Cholesterol 15 g, Fat 9 g, Fiber 11 g, Protein 12 g, Sodium 335 g

Tips:

  • To choose the best eggplant, look for one that is firm and has a deep purple color. Avoid eggplants that are soft or have blemishes.
  • To prevent the eggplant from absorbing too much oil, slice it thinly and salt it before cooking. This will help to draw out the moisture.
  • If you are using a large eggplant, you may need to cook it in batches. Be sure to drain the eggplant well after cooking to remove any excess oil.
  • To make the lamb more flavorful, marinate it in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before cooking.
  • To achieve a crispy crust on the eggplant and lamb, be sure to preheat your oven to a high temperature before baking.
  • Serve the eggplant and lamb al forno with a side of rice or pasta.

Conclusion:

Eggplant and lamb al forno is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a special occasion. The eggplant is tender and flavorful, while the lamb is moist and juicy. The combination of the two ingredients is simply irresistible. If you are looking for a new and exciting way to cook eggplant and lamb, I highly recommend trying this recipe.

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