Mediterranean Baked Stuffed Eggplant Recipe

Dive into the flavors of the Mediterranean with this delightful baked stuffed eggplant dish. Perfect for those who adore a fusion of rich tastes and health benefits, this vegetarian stuffed eggplant recipe is a must-try. It's not just a meal; it's an experience!

Alright, foodies, let's talk stuffed eggplant. If you're looking for a dish that's as show-stopping as your favorite dance move, this is it! Those hemp seeds? They're not just for smoothies, folks. Paired with olive oil, they make our eggplant as hearty as your favorite uncle's bear hug. And those chopped tomatoes? They're the zesty sidekick every superhero dish needs. Did you know that eggplants are a powerhouse of nutrients, packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants?

Now, let's chat about herbs. Thyme and oregano strut into this recipe like they own the place, giving our eggplant that "I've-got-my-life-together" vibe. And don't even get me started on the eggplant flesh—it's like the universe's way of saying, "No waste here, thank you very much!" All snuggled up with tomato sauce, and it's the heart of this dish that is so versatile that you can make it the main course, serve it as an appetizer, or as a copious side dish.

But here's the kicker: this dish is as easy as eggplant pie (but, you know, without the pie). You won't be slaving away in the kitchen; instead, you'll be out there showing off your dance moves in no time. A dash of minced garlic here, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil there, and bam! Gourmet dinner, minus the gourmet effort. So, whether you're a kitchen newbie or the next top chef, this stuffed eggplant recipe is your ticket to culinary stardom. Dive in and let the flavor fiesta begin!

Jump to:

• 💚 Why you will love it
• 🧾 Ingredients
• 🍽 Equipment
• 🔪 Instructions
• 💡 Expert tips
• 📖 Variations
• 🥢 How to serve along?
• 🥡 Storage
• 📚 More stuffed vegetable recipes
• 📋 Recipe
• 💬 Reviews and Comments

💚 Why you will love it

• Richly Flavorful
• Hearty Texture
• Aesthetic Appeal
• Wholesome Ingredients
• Easy to Customize

🧾 Ingredients

This eggplant recipe is made with just a few delicious ingredients:

• Eggplants: These add a meaty texture and absorb flavors well, making them a versatile base for many dishes.
• Onion or red onion: Provides a sharp, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste and adds depth to the dish.
• Hemp seeds: A source of protein and texture, they also contribute to the dish's heartiness, making it a complete meal. You can also use cooked quinoa or couscous.
• Fresh garlic: Introduces a pungent kick, elevating the aromatic profile of the dish.
• Tomatoes: Offer a tangy sweetness and moisture, balancing out the other flavors.
• Red bell pepper: Adds a sweet crunch and vibrant color, enhancing the dish's visual appeal.
• Kalamata olives: Bring in a briny and savory touch, complementing the other ingredients.
• Thyme: Introduce a fragrant note, adding complexity to the flavor palette.
• Dried oregano: Its aromatic nature gives the dish a Mediterranean flair and depth.
• Cumin: Introduces a warm, earthy spice that pairs well with the other ingredients.
• Flat-leaf parsley: Brightens up the dish with its fresh, herbaceous flavor and adds a pop of green.

Optional ingredients

• Extra virgin- olive oil: Adds richness and helps in sautéing, bringing out the flavors of the ingredients.
• Maple tahini sauce: Drizzled on top, it contrasts the savory elements with a sweet and nutty contrast. Or a mix of tahini sauce, lemon juice, and salt.
• Pomegranate seeds: Offer a burst of sweet-tartness and a decorative touch to the finished dish.

See the recipe card for quantities.

Substitutions

• Onion or red onion: Substitute with green onions or leeks. They provide a milder flavor but still enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Hemp seeds or cooked quinoa or couscous: Substitute with cooked lentils or chickpeas. They offer a different texture but are still a good source of vegan protein. Another great option is brown or wild rice.
• Fresh Garlic: Substitute with ground garlic.
• Tomatoes: Use canned tomatoes, no salt-added, or also ripe cherry tomatoes.
• Red bell pepper: Substitute with yellow or orange bell pepper. They offer a similar crunch and color variation.
• Kalamata olives: Substitute with stuffed green olives or capers. They have a briny flavor, though slightly more pungent than olives.
• Thyme or dill: Substitute with basil or cilantro. They introduce a different fragrant note but still add complexity to the flavor palette.
• Oregano: Substitute with marjoram. It's a close relative to oregano and provides a similar aromatic nature.
• Cumin: Substitute with coriander seeds or ground coriander. It offers a citrusy, sweet flavor.
• Flat-leaf parsley: Substitute with arugula or spinach. They provide a fresh, herbaceous flavor, though slightly peppery (in the case of arugula).

🍽 Equipment

• Baking Sheet
• Saucepan

🔪 Instructions

This Mediterranean Stuffed Eggplant recipe involves simple steps.

Prepare the eggplants

Make stuffing

Step 3: Make a spices-herbs mix in a small bowl, and use half to season your stuffing and another half to season the eggplant's halves later.

Many stuffed eggplant recipes traditionally feature meat-based fillings, but in this step, we're crafting a vegan vegetable stuffing that's both flavorful and satisfying.

Step 8: Adjust seasoning and reserve stuffing.

Roast eggplants

After the eggplants have "sweated," we are ready to bake these beauties.

Hint: you can mash the eggplants with the back of the spoon, the edges, or a fork. Keep the edge intact to keep the eggplant shell slightly firm.

Assemble the dish

Hint: We often give the eggplants an added 2-3 minutes of broiling to achieve a richer golden finish on the vegetable stuffing.

Garnish

Step 15: Drizzle regular tahini sauce or our sweet-tart maple tahini sauce, initially made for our crispy chickpea salad but works wonders on this recipe, topped with chopped fresh parsley and pomegranate seeds (check how to remove pomegranate arils, if you have fresh pomegranate).

Read on: Vegan Eggplant Recipes, a collection of our dearest eggplant creations.

📖 Variations

Cheesy Delight:

• Top the stuffed eggplant with shredded mozzarella cheese before baking. This will give the dish a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture on top. The vegan mozzarella will add a rich, cheesy flavor that complements the savory filling.
• For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle some vegan parmesan cheese over the dish once it's out of the oven. This will add a nutty, salty kick that elevates the overall taste.

Tofu and Mock-Meat Filling:

• Add vegan mock meat to the filling, similar to the stuffed zucchini recipe. This will enhance the meaty texture of the dish, making it even more hearty and satisfying. You can choose from a variety of vegan mock meats available in the market, such as vegan ground beef or vegan sausage crumbles. You can even use seasoned tofu or make an Italian version, filling it with our tofu-nut bolognese sauce and top it with vegan cheese.
• Combine the mock meat with the other filling ingredients and stuff the eggplant. This variation is perfect for those who crave a meaty texture without the actual meat.

Italian and Greek Twist:

• Add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes and pine nuts along with the standard filling. The sun-dried tomatoes will introduce a tangy, concentrated tomato flavor, while the pine nuts will add a delightful crunch.
• Top the stuffed eggplant with vegan feta cheese before baking. Vegan feta will provide a tangy, crumbly texture that pairs beautifully with the Mediterranean-inspired filling. Use along with dill as your chosen herb to make it even more Greek!

Feel free to mix and match these variations or adjust the ingredients based on personal preferences. Each variation offers a unique twist to the classic baked stuffed eggplant healthy recipe.

🥢 How to serve along?

Toppings:

1. Garnish with Freshness: Sprinkle some fresh herbs like chopped fresh basil, parsley, or cilantro on top of your baked stuffed eggplant for a burst of color and flavor.
2. Add a Tangy Twist: Drizzle a bit of tahini, squeeze lemon juice to enhance the Mediterranean vibe, or use our maple tahini sauce. We also like adding fresh pomegranate seeds or cranberries.
3. Crunchy Element: Consider adding some toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a delightful crunch.
4. Spice it Up: A sprinkle of za'atar or red pepper flakes can give it that extra kick for those who love a hint of spice.

Side Dishes:

1. Persian Rice: Serve your baked stuffed eggplant alongside steamed basmati rice, beautifully garnished with saffron-infused grains on top. The aromatic rice complements the rich flavors of the eggplant.
2. Crispy Mediterranean Tofu Nuggets: These golden-brown tofu nuggets, seasoned with Mediterranean herbs, make for a protein-packed side that's both delicious and vegan-friendly.
3. Fresh Salad: A simple Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and vegan feta cheese drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice can be a refreshing side.
4. Warm Pita Bread: Soft, warm pita bread is perfect for scooping up any delicious bits and complements the eggplant beautifully.

Protein Dishes:

1. Chickpea Falafel: Golden and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these falafels can be a delightful protein-packed side.
2. Hummus: A bowl of creamy hummus, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with paprika, can be a protein-rich dip to accompany your meal.

With these serving options, you can create a diverse Mediterranean feast that's not only delicious but also caters to a plant-based diet. Enjoy your meal!

🥡 Storage

📚 More stuffed vegetable recipes

Lebanase Stuffed Zucchini: Dive into a world of flavors with this delectable dish, where zucchini meets a hearty filling, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

White-wine Caramelized Stuffed Onions: Unravel layers of culinary delight as tender onions envelop a savory filling, promising a gastronomic adventure with every bite.

Vegan Stuffed Red Bell Peppers: Experience the vibrant allure of red bell peppers, generously filled to the brim with a mouthwatering medley of ingredients.

Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms: Savor the rich, earthy notes of portobello mushrooms, complemented by a sumptuous stuffing that's sure to tantalize your taste buds.

⭐ If you try this recipe, let us know! 💬 Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag us @ourplantbasedworld on Instagram. Cheers!

📋 Recipe