Kuzu Kuzu Karnıyarık

Kuzu Kuzu Karnıyarık is a traditional Turkish dish featuring tender lamb stuffed with a savory mixture of vegetables and spices, all baked to perfection. This paleo-friendly version maintains the authentic flavors while focusing on wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

• Lamb shoulder - 300 grams, ground
• Eggplant - 2 medium, halved lengthwise
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Tomato - 1 medium, diced
• Red bell pepper - 1, diced
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Slice the eggplants in half lengthwise, sprinkle with salt, and let them sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
3. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent.
4. Add the ground lamb to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
5. Stir in the diced tomato, red bell pepper, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and mix in the chopped parsley.
7. Rinse the eggplants under cold water to remove excess salt, then pat them dry.
8. In a baking dish, place the eggplant halves cut-side up and drizzle with the remaining olive oil.
9. Stuff each eggplant half with the lamb mixture, pressing it down gently.
10. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the eggplants are tender and the tops are slightly browned.
11. Serve warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 27 g
• Carbs: 15 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 80 mg
• Total Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
• Water: 0.4 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in protein from the lamb, supporting muscle health.
• Packed with vegetables, providing essential vitamins and minerals.

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