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Easy Moroccan Stuffed Eggplant

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Easy Moroccan Stuffed Eggplant is a vibrant, spice-packed dish featuring tender roasted eggplant halves filled with a savory blend of ground meat or legumes, Moroccan spices, and tomatoes. Finished with yogurt or tahini and fresh herbs, it’s a hearty yet light meal perfect for weeknights or entertaining.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium eggplants, halved lengthwise
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for brushing)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ lb ground beef or lamb (or 1½ cups cooked chickpeas/lentils for vegetarian version)
  • 1 cup canned tomatoes or 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • ½ cup cooked couscous, quinoa, or rice (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Plain yogurt or tahini sauce (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice eggplants lengthwise and score flesh. Brush with olive oil, season with salt, and roast cut-side up for 30–35 minutes until soft.
  2. While eggplants roast, heat olive oil in a pan. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
  3. Add ground meat or chickpeas/lentils and cook through, breaking up the meat.
  4. Stir in cumin, cinnamon, paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper. Add tomatoes or paste and simmer 10–15 minutes, adding water if needed. Stir in cooked grains if using.
  5. Once eggplants are roasted, scoop out some flesh to create space and fill with the prepared mixture.
  6. Return to oven for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
  7. Serve warm, topped with chopped herbs and a dollop of yogurt or tahini sauce.

Notes

  • Add dried apricots or raisins for a hint of sweetness.
  • Top with toasted pine nuts or almonds for crunch.
  • Stir in harissa or chili flakes for added spice.
  • Swap yogurt with lemon-tahini drizzle to keep it dairy-free.
  • Use lentils and bulgur for a protein-rich vegetarian option.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/easy-moroccan-stuffed-eggplant/