Mediterranean Layered Eggplants with Minced Meat

These Mediterranean Layered Eggplants with Minced Meat have a warm and fresh taste. We prepare this layered egg casserole with eggplants, minced meat, olive oil, onions, garlic, tomatoes, tomato paste, parsley, and warm Mediterranean spices like cumin, paprika, and cinnamon. This layered eggplant casserole contains nearly 12g net carbs and around 420 calories. We prepare this layered eggplant casserole in just over one hour. These Mediterranean Layered Eggplants with Minced Meat are ideal for Mediterranean diets, low-carb meal plans, cozy gatherings, healthy comfort food cravings, special occasions, and wholesome weeknight dinners. You can prepare this casserole earlier because we freeze it for nearly two months and fridge it for almost four days. You can serve this layered egg casserole alongside garlic yogurt sauce, warm pita bread, Mediterranean cucumber salad, lemon rice, roasted vegetables, or herbed bulgur.

STATS:

• Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
• Prep Duration: 25 minutes
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Diet: Mediterranean
• Course: Main Dish
• Cook Duration: 45 minutes
• Portion size: 1 generous slice
• Cooking mode: Oven
• Total servings: 6
• Difficulty level: Medium
• Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

TOOLS:

• Oven
• Sheet
• Skillet
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon
• Baking dish
• Paper towels

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 large eggplants
• 500g ground beef
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion
• 4 garlic cloves
• 3 large tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes
• ½ cup water
• 2 tablespoons parsley
• 1 cup mozzarella

INGREDIENT NOTES AND THEIR SUBSTITUTIONS:

EGGPLANTS:

• Eggplants will provide the main layered foundation of this egg casserole. Alternatively, you can use zucchini slices, sweet potato slices, or grilled pumpkin slices.

GROUND MEAT:

• Ground meat gives savory richness and hearty flavor to this Mediterranean casserole. Ground turkey, chicken, lamb, or plant-based mince can be substituted.

TOMATOES:

• Tomatoes are utilized to create a tarty texture and flavorful sauce. Instead, you may use crushed canned tomatoes or tomato passata.

OLIVE OIL:

• Olive oil will aid in adding authentic Mediterranean flavor and moisture content to this casserole. You might also utilize avocado oil or sunflower oil.

SPICES:

• Mediterranean spices will provide this layered eggplant casserole a warm and aromatic flavor. As an alternative, you can adjust the seasonings to taste or use garam masala for a fusion-style flavor.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Make lengthwise slices of the eggplants and garnish with salt.
2. Leave them for about twenty minutes to eliminate the bitterness and completely dry them.
3. Use the olive oil to coat the slices and roast at 200°Celcius till it is golden and softer, for about twenty-five minutes.
4. Slowly cook the onions with warm olive oil in a pan till softer.
5. Carefully include the garlic and minced meat.
6. Cook them till completely prepared and browned.
7. Whisk in broth, tomato paste, pepper, grated tomatoes, salt, and spices.
8. Slowly cook till they are thickened, for about twelve minutes.
9. Make a layer of meat sauce and roasted eggplant slices in a dish.
10. Create more layers till every component is consumed.
11. Garnish the surface with meat sauce.
12. Put the béchamel or cheese on the surface.
13. Bake this layered egg casserole till they are golden and bubbling, for twenty-five minutes.
14. Cool this layered egg casserole for about ten minutes and then serve.

TIPS:

• Salt the eggplant slices for oil absorption and decrease the bitterness.
• You can roast the eggplants in place of frying to make a lighter version.
• Cool this layered egg casserole and then cut the clean layers.

STORAGE INFORMATION:

FRIDGE:

• Put this layered egg casserole in a tight box and store it for just four months.

FREEZER:

• Store these portions for about two months.

FAQs:

Will we need to peel the eggplants?

• No, the skin helps structure and adds nutrients.

Could we prepare this layered egg casserole vegetarian?

• Yes, you can use plant-based mince, lentils, or mushrooms instead of meat.

May we prepare this layered egg casserole earlier?

• Yes, you can assemble this layered egg casserole earlier, as it freezes for not less than two months.

Can we omit the cheese?

• Yes, you can skip the cheese, as the flavor will remain the same.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

Fiber: 6 g

Caloric Content: 420 kcal

Proteins: 24 g

Sodium: 580 mg

Net carbs: 12 g

Sugar: 7 g

Fats: 28 g

Portion Size: 1 serving slice

Total carbs: 18 g