Are you looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This eggplant and ground lamb recipe is a fantastic example of how simple ingredients can create a truly memorable dish. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, impressing guests, or simply enjoying a healthy and flavorful meal at home. This recipe offers a delightful blend of Mediterranean flavors, making it a perfect addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 large eggplant (about 1 pound), diced
- 1 pound ground lamb
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: crumbled feta cheese for topping
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced eggplant with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the eggplant in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned. Roasting the eggplant beforehand removes excess moisture, resulting in a much tastier final dish. This is a key step for many delicious dishes.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
While the eggplant is roasting, heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the flavor base of your dish, so don't rush it!
Step 3: Cook the Lamb
Add the ground lamb to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 4: Simmer the Stew
Stir in the roasted eggplant, diced tomatoes (undrained), oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the flavors have melded beautifully.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Stir in the fresh parsley just before serving. Serve hot, optionally topped with crumbled feta cheese. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground lamb and ground beef.
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend a portion of the stew with an immersion blender before serving.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground lamb with crumbled vegetarian ground meat.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30 grams
- Fat: Approximately 20-25 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25 grams
This eggplant and ground lamb recipe is a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking at its finest. It’s a simple yet sophisticated dish that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!