Smoky Turkish Karniyarik with Eggplant and Minced Lamb

Name: Smoky Turkish Karniyarik with Eggplant and Minced Lamb
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Eggplants; Olive oil; Salt; Minced lamb; Onion; Garlic; Paprika; Ground cumin; Ground coriander; Salt and pepper; Tomato paste; Tomatoes; Fresh parsley; Tomato sauce; Sugar; Salt and pepper; Green bell pepper; Tomato

A Delightful Blend of Smoky Eggplant and Savory Lamb

Experience the rich, smoky flavors of traditional Turkish cuisine with this delectable stuffed eggplant dish filled with savory minced lamb, fresh herbs, and zesty spices.

1 h 45 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Eggplants

Eggplants

4 medium, halved lengthwise

Olive oil

for brushing

Salt

to taste

For the Lamb Filling

Minced lamb

1 lb

Onion

1, finely chopped

Garlic

2 cloves, minced

Paprika

1 tsp

Ground cumin

1 tsp

Ground coriander

1 tsp

Salt and pepper

to taste

Tomato paste

1 tbsp

Tomatoes

2, diced

Fresh parsley

2 tbsp, chopped

For the Tomato Sauce

Tomato sauce

1 cup

Sugar

1 tsp

Salt and pepper

to taste

For Toppings

Green bell pepper

1, sliced

Tomato

1, sliced into rounds

Preparation

Preparing the Eggplants

Preheat Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Brush and Salt Eggplants

Brush the cut sides of the eggplant with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.

Roast Eggplants

Place on a baking sheet cut side up and roast for 25 minutes until tender.

Preparing the Lamb Filling

Brown Lamb

While the eggplants are roasting, heat a skillet over medium heat and add minced lamb.

Do not overcook the lamb filling; it should remain juicy.

Add Spices and Aromatics

Cook until browned, then add onion, garlic, paprika, cumin, and coriander.

Simmer Filling

Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Allow to simmer for 10 minutes, then stir in fresh parsley.

Add a splash of water if the mixture looks too dry.

Cooking Process

Assemble Eggplants

Once the eggplants are roasted, hollow out the center, creating a cavity for filling.

Fill Eggplants

Spoon the lamb mixture into each eggplant, pressing slightly to pack.

Bake Filled Eggplants

Arrange filled eggplants in a baking dish, pour tomato sauce around them, and add bell pepper and tomato slices on top.

Plating & Serving