Eggplants 'Imam Bayildi'
Main Dishes • European
Description
Eggplants 'Imam Bayildi'
Ingredients
- Eggplants 10 pieces
- Onion 2 pieces
- Garlic 6 cloves
- Tomatoes 6 pieces
- Olive Oil ½ cup
- Sugar 1 tablespoon
- Lemon 1 piece
- Parsley to taste
- Salt to taste
- Ground Black Pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1
Thoroughly wash the eggplants and cut a small piece off the tip (not from the stem side). Then, using a knife, cut strips of skin from each eggplant, alternating between a strip with skin and a strip without skin, creating a 'purple zebra' effect. Make cuts lengthwise along the eggplants, opening them in the middle ('boats'). Soak the eggplants in a bowl of water salted with 1 tablespoon of salt for 30 minutes (to soften and open them).
Step 2
Peel the tomatoes with a vegetable peeler or by dipping them in hot boiled water for a few seconds after scoring the top. Cut them in half and scoop out the seeds with a spoon; chop finely. Chop the herbs and garlic as finely as the tomatoes, and slice the onion into rings. Place the tomatoes, onion, garlic, parsley, salt, sugar, and pepper in a bowl and mix the filling well.
Step 3
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 390°F (about 400 degrees Fahrenheit).
Step 4
Remove the eggplants from the water, squeeze them well by hand, and then fill the cut eggplant 'boats' with the filling using a spoon. Place any excess filling on top of the eggplants.
Step 5
Arrange the eggplants closely on a baking sheet, drizzle with juice (squeezed from the lemon), olive oil, and 1 cup of water. Cover the baking sheet with parchment paper and a lid or foil, sealing it tightly.
Step 6
Bake in the oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the water evaporates and only the oil remains. Towards the end, remove the parchment and lid/foil.
Step 7
At the end of baking, you can sprinkle the eggplants with grated feta cheese or serve them cold with a piece of feta.
Step 8
Serve 'Imam Bayildi' warm or cold.
Cooked This Dish? Share Your Creation!
Snap a photo and let your culinary masterpiece inspire others.
Users Photos
No photos yet. Be the first to share!