Melanzane Ripiene

Melanzane Ripiene is a delightful low-carb Italian baked dish featuring tender eggplants stuffed with a flavorful mixture of ground meat, herbs, and cheese. This hearty yet healthy meal is perfect for a cozy dinner for two.

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants
• 200 grams ground beef (or turkey)
• 100 grams ricotta cheese
• 50 grams grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh parsley - for garnish

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving about 1 cm of the shell. Chop the scooped-out flesh and set aside.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent.
4. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Stir in the chopped eggplant flesh, diced tomato, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the mixture is well combined and the eggplant is tender.
5. Remove the skillet from heat and let it cool slightly. Stir in the ricotta and half of the Parmesan cheese until well combined.
6. Stuff the eggplant halves with the meat mixture, pressing down gently to pack them in. Place the stuffed eggplants in a baking dish.
7. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top of the stuffed eggplants.
8. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the tops are golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 36 g
• Carbs: 12 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 80 mg
• Total Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Water: 0.6 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants from eggplants, which support heart health.
• High in protein from the meat and cheese, promoting muscle repair and growth.

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