Stuffed Fried Eggplant Slices

Stuffed Fried Eggplant Slices

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 1/2 pound ground beef or lamb
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Eggplant:

• 2 large eggplants
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Prepare the Eggplant:
   • Wash the eggplants and cut them into 1/2-inch thick slices.
   • Lay the eggplant slices on a paper towel and sprinkle them with salt. Let them sit for about 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat them dry with another paper towel.
3. Stuff the Eggplant:
   • Take an eggplant slice and place about 1 tablespoon of the meat filling on top.
   • Cover with another eggplant slice, sandwiching the filling between the slices. Repeat with the remaining eggplant slices and filling.
4. Prepare the Breading Station:
   • In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
   • In another shallow bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together.
5. Bread the Eggplant:
   • Dip each stuffed eggplant sandwich into the flour mixture, coating both sides.
   • Then dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
   • Dip it again into the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating.
6. Fry the Eggplant:
   • Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Fry the stuffed eggplant slices in batches, about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
   • Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
7. Serve:
   • Serve the stuffed fried eggplant slices hot, with a side of your favorite dipping sauce if desired.

Enjoy your Stuffed Fried Eggplant Slices! If you need more recipes or any other assistance, feel free to ask.