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.
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
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 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.
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
- Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Stir in the chopped eggplant flesh, uncooked rice, minced garlic, paprika, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stuff the eggplant shells with the meat and rice mixture, and place them in a baking dish.
- Pour the crushed tomatoes over the stuffed eggplants.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the eggplants are tender and the filling is cooked through.
- 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