Snappy BBQ Summery Stuffed Eggplant w Beef & Feta

Don’t like eggplant? You’ve likely never had them properly cooked through, or they’ve been super oily and mushy. Well, hopefully this recipe will help you change that! PS, not everyone likes them, and that is fine. I think your inner constitution has told you that many moons ago. But read this: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/279359.php#benefits

Eggplants are super affordable in summer, and even year round they’re not too bad. In NZ they’re very consistent in size and quality. Did you know eggplant has incredible health benefits? Super complex vitamins and minerals - VC, VK, VB6, Thiamin, Niacin, Magnesium, Manganese, Fiber, Copper, Potassium…..

Pantry Items

  • Half an eggplant p/person, cut in half lengthways, lightly salted, leave 15 min, wipe dry

  • 100g Ground Beef p/person,

  • Aromatic spice blend such as ras el hanout

  • 1 Onion

  • 3-4 cloves garlic

  • Salt & Pepper

  • Passata or tin of crushed tomatoes,

  • 1 tin chickpeas, rinsed

  • 200g feta

  • Mixed herb salad, dill, coriander, parsley, basil, rocket are all great

Method

  • Heat the bbq

  • Saute the onion & garlic til softened, add the ground beef and ras el hanout, salt and pepper, brown on medium high for around 10min

  • Add chickpeas & passata & and continue cooking a further 10-15mins til well mixed and flavours melded, check seasoning. Add more heat with fresh chilli or cayenne

  • Oil the eggplant and grill on the cut side down, 5 min til coloured

  • Flip the eggplant, top with the beef mixture, feta and cover the bbq lid. Grill on low/medium for 10 mins more. Be careful to check the eggplants aren’t burning.

  • Serve garnished with the herbs tossed with your very best olive oil & lemon

  • BOOM!

Samuel Campbell