Lebanese Eggplants (Messaka’a)

May 23, 2023May 23, 20230 14

Lebanese Eggplants (Messaka'a) for a Healthy and Filling Meal

by The Chefin Vegetarian

Prep

20 min

Cook

1 hour

Ready In

1 hour 20 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

4-6

Calories

250

Sugar

Fat

12g

Lebanese Eggplants (Messaka'a) is a traditional Lebanese dish that combines eggplant with tomatoes, chickpeas, and spices to create a flavorful and filling meal. The dish is a popular vegetarian option in Lebanese cuisine and is often served as a main course. Lebanese Eggplants (Messaka'a) can be enjoyed on its own or paired with bread, rice, or salad for a complete meal.

Instructions

1.	Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2.	Season the eggplant slices with salt and let them sit for 15 minutes.
3.	Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix the olive oil and ground mint.
4.	Rinse the eggplant slices and pat them dry. Brush them with the olive oil and mint mixture.
5.	In a baking dish, layer the eggplant slices, sliced tomatoes, chickpeas, onion, and garlic.
6.	Season with salt and pepper.
7.	Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
8.	Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes.
9.	Serve hot with bread, rice, or salad.

PROS

Lebanese Eggplants (Messaka’a) are a flavorful and filling vegetarian dish that is easy to prepare and nutritious.

The dish is high in fiber, protein, and nutrients, such as vitamin C and potassium.

The ingredients used in the recipe are easily accessible and affordable.

The recipe can be easily adapted to include other vegetables or spices depending on personal preference.

CONS

Some people may not enjoy the texture of cooked eggplant, which can be mushy or slimy.

The dish takes around an hour to cook, which may be too long for busy weeknights.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Lebanese Eggplants (Messaka’a) are a healthy dish that is high in fiber, protein, and nutrients, such as vitamin C and potassium.
Eggplant is known for its antioxidant properties and has been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease, cancer, and obesity.
The dish also contains chickpeas, which are rich in protein, fiber, and minerals, such as iron and magnesium.

	1 kg eggplant , peeled and cut , lengthwise
	1 kg tomatoes , sliced
	1 cup of cooked chickpeas
	1 cup of cubed onion
	2 tablespoons ground dried mint
	10 garlic cloves
	salt & pepper
	1/4 cup olive oil