Köfte with Eggplant

Köfte with Eggplant is a delightful Turkish main dish featuring juicy minced meatballs served with tender roasted eggplant, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. This dish is perfect for a cozy meal, offering a satisfying and nutritious experience that's both comforting and delicious.

Ingredients

• Ground beef (or lamb) - 300 grams
• Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Eggplant - 1 medium, sliced
• Olive oil - 3 tablespoons
• Tomato - 1 medium, diced
• Red bell pepper - 1/2, diced
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Water - 100 milliliters

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, chopped onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
3. Shape the mixture into small oval patties (köfte) about 5 cm long and set aside.
4. In a large frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the köfte and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
5. In the same pan, add the sliced eggplant and cook for about 5 minutes until slightly softened. Add the diced tomato and red bell pepper, cooking for another 3 minutes.
6. Place the cooked köfte on top of the eggplant mixture in the pan. Drizzle with lemon juice, and add water. Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the köfte are cooked through.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 30 g
• Carbs: 20 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 90 mg
• Total Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein, supporting muscle health and repair.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals from vegetables, promoting overall health.

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