Baked Eggplant Rolls

Baked Eggplant Rolls are a delicious low-carb Lebanese dish filled with a savory mixture of ground meat and spices, all wrapped in tender, baked eggplant slices. This dish is not only flavorful but also offers a healthy twist on traditional comfort food.

Ingredients

• Eggplant - 1 medium-sized
• Ground beef or lamb - 200 grams
• Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Tomato paste - 2 tablespoons
• Ground cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Shredded mozzarella cheese - 50 grams

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Slice the eggplant lengthwise into thin strips (about 1/4 inch thick) and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for 15 minutes to draw out moisture, then rinse and pat dry.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
4. Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until well combined. Remove from heat and mix in the chopped parsley.
6. Lay the eggplant strips on a baking sheet. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil and bake for 10-12 minutes until slightly softened.
7. Remove the eggplant from the oven. Place a spoonful of the meat mixture at one end of each strip and roll them up tightly.
8. Arrange the eggplant rolls seam-side down in a baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Serve warm, garnished with extra parsley if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 27 g
• Carbs: 12 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Cholesterol: 70 mg
• Total Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in fiber, promoting digestive health.
• Low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb diets.

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