Name: Stuffed Baby Aubergines (Sheikh El Mehchi)
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 12 baby aubergines, washed and partly peeled, with stems on (see photo); 500 g minced lamb; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, mashed, for the meat filling, plus 1 tbsp garlic powder for the tomato sauce; Handful of pine nuts, soaked in water beforehand; 1 tsp allspice; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp white or black pepper, for the meat filling and tomato sauce; Vegetable oil, for frying the aubergines; 3–4 tbsp olive oil, for frying the lamb; 1 tbsp tomato paste, for the meat filling, plus 400 g tinned peeled plum tomatoes for the sauce; ½ tsp ground turmeric, for the meat filling and tomato sauce (healthy addition); Salt, to taste, for the meat filling and tomato sauce

"Discover the authentic flavors of Lebanon with Sheikh El Mehchi, where tender baby aubergines are stuffed with fragrant spiced lamb mince and toasted pine nuts. Baked to perfection in a rich, tangy tomato sauce, this dish offers a comforting blend of Middle Eastern spices. Serve with vermicelli rice for a complete, hearty meal."

Method 6 Steps

1

Fry the aubergines in vegetable oil, such as rapeseed oil, until lightly browned and soft, then drain on kitchen paper.
2

Heat the olive oil in a frying pan and cook the lamb until golden brown. Add all the spices, salt, pine nuts, and tomato paste. Fry for a few more minutes, then remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
3

Slit each fried aubergine lengthwise on one side, then gently press to form a pocket and stuff with the meat mixture. (See photo for reference.)
4

Once all the aubergines are filled, arrange them side by side in a baking dish (such as Pyrex).
5

In a bowl, combine the peeled plum tomatoes and their juice with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and turmeric. Add a little water if needed. Pour the sauce over the stuffed aubergines and bake for about 20 minutes, until bubbling and the tops are lightly browned.
6

Serve hot with rice.

Stuffed Baby Aubergines (Sheikh El Mehchi)

🥗 Ingredients (13 items)

Method 6 Steps

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