Moroccan Baked Eggplant with Beef
I promised you more recipes that taste amazing, are satisfying and yet low in calories. And this one hits it out of the park. Other than using lean ground beef (mince), I didn’t do anything to convert this into a “skinny” version. This is simply how I make it. The key is the baked eggplant has been smeared with a Middle Eastern spice called Chermoula before cooking. I use a recipe very slightly adapted from this one by Yotam Ottlenghi, from his cookbook Jerusalem which happens to be one of my all time favorites. When you cut into the surface of an eggplant, slather on the spice paste then bake it, magic happens. The eggplant becomes juicy inside and forms a beautiful crust on the surface. It’s a perfect flavour and texture combo.
The original recipe for this baked eggplant by Yotam is vegetarian and is topped with bulgar. But I really love this topped with beef because……well, to be honest, bulgar is not a pantry staple in my household. Whereas I’m always looking for interesting ways to use ground beef! Oh, the spice paste serves double duty here because I use it for the beef too!
A dollop of yoghurt and a simple salad on the side and dinner is served. 460 calories for this entire plate. Can you believe that? It’s really satisfying. You won’t miss carbs because it’s so substantial – it’s 2 eggplant halves per person. It’s loaded with flavour, different textures, and I really think this is a unique way to use run-of-the-mill ground beef to make something a little different and yet is so easy to make. Happy hump-day everyone! Counting down the days until the weekend! – Nagi x
More ways with eggplant
Greek Moussaka (Eggplant Beef Bake) – the Greek version of Italian lasagna, made with layers of eggplant instead of pasta sheets. Epic! Grilled Eggplant with Yoghurt Sauce – simple and fabulous! Grilled Miso Glazed Japanese Eggplant – caramelised with a Japanese miso glaze! Middle Eastern Roasted Eggplant with Couscous – slathered with Middle Eastern price rub and roasted until tender Eggplant is also commonly used in Thai Red and Green Curry Indian style Eggplant Curry Eggplant Parmigiana
