Ingredients

4 medium eggplants
2 garlic cloves , thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon olive oil
1 red onion , chopped
1 tablespoon thyme leaves
5 ounces sun-dried tomatoes
1/4 cup raisins
5 ounces dried bulgur , cooked
2 tablespoons pine nuts , toasted
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro , roughly chopped
2 ounces cheddar cheese , grated
fresh ground black pepper
Stuffed eggplant with tomato and bulghur pilaf is a flavorful vegetarian dish that incorporates eggplant, a staple of Mediterranean cuisine. Eggplants, also known as aubergines, are used in many dishes from this region due to their versatility and ability to absorb flavors. In this recipe, the eggplants are scooped out and filled with a savory mixture of bulgur, sun-dried tomatoes, and pine nuts, then topped with cheddar cheese and baked to perfection. This dish is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or for impressing guests at a dinner party. It is best served hot and pairs well with a simple salad.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2.Cut off the top of each eggplant, then slice each one in half lengthwise.
3.Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh, creating a hollow space in each eggplant half.
4.Place the eggplant halves in a baking dish, then sprinkle with salt and set aside.
5.In a large pan, sauté the garlic, onion, and thyme in olive oil until softened.
6.Add the sun-dried tomatoes, raisins, and cooked bulgur to the pan and stir to combine.
7.Add the pine nuts and cilantro to the pan and stir once more.
8.Divide the bulgur mixture evenly among the eggplant halves, then top with grated cheddar cheese and black pepper.
9.Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the eggplants are tender and the cheese is melted.

PROS

This dish is a great way to get in your daily dose of veggies and whole grains.

The ingredients are inexpensive and easy to find at any grocery store.

The bulgur and eggplant provide a good source of dietary fiber.

CONS

Eggplants can be bitter and may need to be salted beforehand to remove any bitterness.

This dish may have a longer prep time than some other recipes.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Eggplant is low in calories, high in fiber, and a good source of vitamins and minerals like potassium and magnesium.
Bulgur is a whole grain that contains fiber and B vitamins.
This recipe is vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by omitting the cheese.

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