MELITZANES PAPOUTSAKIA (GREEK STUFFED EGGPLANT)

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Melitzanes Papoutsakia (Greek Stuffed Eggplant) image

Melitzanes Papoutsakia or Stuffed Eggplant "Little Shoes". The aubergines (eggplants) are stuffed with a beef and tomato mixture and topped with bechamel sauce, a slice of tomato and some cheese.

Provided by Marsha Gardner

Categories     Beef

Time 1h30m

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 eggplants
1 medium onion, chopped
2 clove garlic, chopped
1/2 lb lean ground beef
2 tomatoes, chopped
1/4 c white wine
1/2 c parsley, chopped
1/2 tsp cinnamon, optional
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tomato, sliced
1 c bechamel sauce
1 c kefalotyri cheese or pecorino-romano
BECHAMEL SAUCE
2 Tbsp butter, unsalted
2 Tbsp all purpose flour
1 1/4 c milk
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
dash(es) freshly grated nutmeg

Steps:

  • 1. Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise and scoop out the middle leaving the shell about 1/8 inch thick. Heat the oil in a pan. Add the onions and saute until translucent. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant. Chop and add the eggplant that was removed from the shells. Add the ground beef and cook until it is browned. Add the tomatoes, wine, cinnamon, parsley, salt and pepper, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Spread some of the cheese over the bottom of the eggplant shell. Fill the shell with the stuffing. Cover with the bechamel sauce. Place a slice of tomato on top. Cover with the remaining cheese. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven until the bechamel sauce and the cheese are browned, about 60-90 minutes.
  • 2. BECHAMEL SAUCE: Melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the paste cooks and bubbles a bit, but don't let it brown - about 2 minutes. Add the hot milk, continuing to stir as the sauce thickens. Bring it to a boil. Add nutmeg and salt and pepper to taste, lower the heat, and cook, stirring for 2 to 3 minutes more. Remove from the heat. To cool this sauce for later use, cover it with wax paper or pour a film of milk over it to prevent a skin from forming.

Nori Howard
nh@gmail.com

This was a great way to use up some leftover eggplant. The filling was delicious and the eggplants were cooked perfectly.


MartyBoi
martyboi@gmail.com

This is a classic Greek dish that is always a crowd-pleaser. The eggplants are tender and the filling is rich and flavorful. I highly recommend this recipe.


Nawabi Puttar
nawabi@yahoo.com

I love this recipe! The eggplants are so tender and the filling is so flavorful. I always make extra so I can have leftovers for lunch the next day.


Allen Hawk
allen_hawk@hotmail.com

This is a great recipe for a weeknight meal. It's easy to make and the eggplants are always a hit with my family.


Chabhan Ali Chabhab Mahad
chabhan.a16@gmail.com

I'm not a huge fan of eggplant, but I really enjoyed this recipe. The eggplants were cooked perfectly and the filling was delicious. I would definitely make this again.


Collins Asamoah
collins_a@yahoo.com

This was a delicious and easy recipe to make. The eggplants were tender and the filling was flavorful. I would definitely make this again.


Alex “Xaika Xairwa Xander” Bob
a-bob45@yahoo.com

This is a great recipe for a special occasion. The eggplants are elegant and the filling is rich and decadent. I would definitely recommend this recipe to anyone who loves eggplant.


Maktoum Katumba
maktoum63@yahoo.com

I made this for a dinner party and everyone loved it! The eggplants were cooked perfectly and the filling was flavorful and moist. I will definitely be making this again.


Kamran.waqar Bhatti
k.bhatti@gmail.com

This was my first time making stuffed eggplant and it turned out great! The recipe was easy to follow and the dish was delicious. I especially liked the combination of flavors in the filling.


RT Fgh
rt.f@hotmail.com

I've made this recipe several times and it's always a hit. The eggplants are so tender and the filling is so delicious. I love that it's a vegetarian dish that's still hearty and satisfying.


Shabbir Ghumman
ghummans@hotmail.com

This is the best stuffed eggplant recipe! The eggplants were tender and flavorful, and the filling was rich and savory. I will definitely be making this again.