Hungarian Stuffed Eggplant (Töltött Padlizsán)

Töltött Padlizsán, or Hungarian Stuffed Eggplant, is a delicious and hearty dish that is popular in Hungarian cuisine. The dish features tender eggplant stuffed with a flavorful mixture of ground meat, rice, and spices, all topped with a rich tomato sauce. This recipe is perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Hungarian Stuffed Eggplant (Töltött Padlizsán)

Ingredients

  • 2 medium eggplants
  • 1 lb ground meat (beef or pork)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup uncooked rice
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp caraway seeds
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch shell. Chop the scooped-out flesh and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
  4. Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
  5. Stir in the chopped eggplant flesh, uncooked rice, minced garlic, paprika, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Stuff the eggplant shells with the meat and rice mixture, and place them in a baking dish.
  7. Pour the crushed tomatoes over the stuffed eggplants.
  8. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
  9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the eggplants are tender and the filling is cooked through.
  10. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
20 minutes
Cooking time:
1 hour
Total time:
1 hour
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
320 per serving
Protein
18g
Carbohydrates
25g
Fat
15g

Supplies

Baking dish Foil

Tools

Skillet Spoon Knife

Serving suggestions

Serve the Töltött Padlizsán with a side of crusty bread and a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Tips & tricks

For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground meat with cooked lentils or mushrooms for a delicious meat-free option.

Cost

$15