A spectacular layered dish featuring roasted globe eggplant slices, a savory ground beef and pepper filling, and topped with melted cheese and fresh tomato slices.
Servings 6kişilik
Course Main Course
Cuisine Turkish
Ingredients
3largeGlobe eggplants (Bostan patlıcanı)
12ozGround beef
1largeOnion (finely chopped)
3-4tbspLong green peppers (Anaheim or Italianelle, chopped)
1tbspRed capia pepper (diced)
2clovesGarlic, minced
2tbspTomato or Red pepper paste (Salça)
2largeTomatoes (grated, plus one extra for slicing on top)
½cupWarm water
1tbspOlive oil (for brushing and sautéing)
1.5cupsShredded Kashar cheese (or Mozzarella)
1tspSpices: Paprika, Red pepper flakes, and Salt (to taste)
Equipment
Large Baking Sheet: For the initial roasting of the eggplant slices.
Wide Skillet: To prepare the savory ground beef and pepper filling.
Oven-Safe Casserole Dish: A standard "Borcam" or any rectangular baking dish works perfectly.
Pastry Brush: To ensure a thin, even coating of olive oil on the eggplants.
Method
Partially peel the globe eggplants in a "zebra" stripe pattern. Slice them into rounds about 1.5 cm (1/2 inch) thick.
Place the slices on a baking tray, brush both sides with olive oil, and bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for about 15 minutes until they soften.
In a large pan, brown the ground beef with a little oil. Add the onions, green peppers, and red capia peppers. Sauté until the vegetables are soft.
Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, and grated tomatoes. Pour in the water and add your spices. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Place the pre-roasted eggplant slices into a baking dish (Borcam).
Spread a generous spoonful of the meat mixture over each eggplant slice and sprinkle with a bit of cheese. Repeat this for three layers to create mini "towers" or a large casserole.
Finish with a final layer of meat sauce, a generous handful of cheese, and a slice of fresh tomato on top.
Drizzle a little extra tomato paste mixed with water around the dish. Bake at 190°C (375°F) until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Serve hot!
To reduce oil absorption, brush the eggplant slices with olive oil and lightly roast them in the oven before layering. This ensures they stay tender and flavorful without making the dish feel heavy.