Minorcan-style Stuffed Eggplant (Berenjena Rellena al Estilo Menorquín)

Berenjena Rellena al Estilo Menorquín, or Minorcan-style Stuffed Eggplant, is a traditional dish from the Spanish island of Menorca. This flavorful and hearty dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering with friends.

Vegetarian Gluten Free Main Course Minorcan Spanish Cuisine Stuffed Eggplant Menorcan Recipe
Minorcan-style Stuffed Eggplant (Berenjena Rellena al Estilo Menorquín)

Ingredients

  • 2 large eggplants
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 tomato, chopped
  • 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Manchego cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Olive oil

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 1/2-inch border. Chop the scooped-out flesh and set aside.
  3. Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
  4. Add the red bell pepper, chopped eggplant flesh, and tomato to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
  5. Stir in the chickpeas, raisins, pine nuts, paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
  6. Fill the hollowed-out eggplant halves with the vegetable mixture and place them in a baking dish.
  7. In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Manchego cheese, and chopped parsley. Sprinkle this mixture over the stuffed eggplants.
  8. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top of each stuffed eggplant.
  9. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the eggplants are tender.
  10. Serve the Berenjena Rellena al Estilo Menorquín hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Cooking & Preparation

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

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

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

Supplies

Baking dish Foil

Tools

Skillet Sharp knife Cutting board

Serving suggestions

Serve the Berenjena Rellena al Estilo Menorquín with a side of crusty bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Tips & tricks

For a vegan version, simply omit the Manchego cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative.

Cost

$12