Baked Eggplant Rolls

Baked Eggplant Rolls are a delightful Turkish dish featuring tender eggplant slices filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, herbs, and spices. This keto-friendly recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy a low-carb meal without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

• Eggplant - 1 large
• Ground beef or lamb - 200 grams
• Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Tomato paste - 1 tablespoon
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Cumin - 1/2 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1/2 teaspoon
• Grated cheese (optional) - 50 grams

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. Slice the eggplant lengthwise into thin strips, about 0.5 cm thick. Sprinkle with salt and let it sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture and bitterness.
3. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent.
4. Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook until browned. Stir in the tomato paste, chopped parsley, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
5. Rinse the salted eggplant slices and pat them dry with a paper towel. Brush both sides with the remaining olive oil.
6. Grill the eggplant slices on a grill pan or under the broiler for about 3-4 minutes on each side until slightly charred and softened.
7. Take one grilled eggplant slice, place a spoonful of the meat mixture at one end, and roll it up tightly. Repeat with the remaining slices and filling.
8. Place the rolled eggplants seam side down in a baking dish. If using, sprinkle grated cheese on top.
9. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
10. Serve warm, garnished with additional chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 30 g
• Carbs: 10 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 80 mg
• Total Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in dietary fiber which aids digestion.
• High in protein, supporting muscle health and satiety.

Tags