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Papoutsakia - Greek Stuffed Eggplants

A Greek dish of stuffed eggplants covered with a bechamel sauce.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
1 hr 15 mins
Total Time
1 hr 45 mins
Servings: 4 serves
Calories: 458 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

  • 2 eggplants medium to large
  • 250 g minced beef
  • 1 onion finely diced
  • 1 carrot finely diced
  • 1 celery rib finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 250 g canned tomatoes passata is good and freshly grated tomatoes even better
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup water
  • 30 g butter
  • 1 tablespoon flour plain
  • 1 cup milk lukewarm
  • 1 pinch ground nutmeg
  • 100 g kefalotyri cheese grated

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Cut the eggplants in half. Using a pairing knife score the around the inner flesh leaving a small border. Using a spoon carefully scoop out the flesh. Dice the scooped flesh and set aside.
  2. Fry the eggplant halves in a little olive oil. This is to soften the flesh. Fry each side on a medium heat for 5 mins. Once cooked place the eggplant halves on a pre oiled baking tray.
  3. Pour a little olive oil in a medium sized pot and fry the onion, carrot, celery and garlic until the mixture becomes translucent.
  4. Add the diced eggplant and saute for a few mins until softened. Add the beef mince and break it up using a wooden spoon. Once the meat is browned add the tomatoes, tomato paste, spices, salt and pepper and the water. Bring to a boil and allow the sauce to simmer for 30 mins.
  5. Whilst the sauce is simmering prepare the béchamel. Add the butter to a small pot. Once it melts add the flour and stir continuously for a few mins. (we want to remove the flour taste from the roux). Add the lukewarm milk to the flour/butter mixture and stir vigorously. Add the nutmeg and cheese and continue to stir until the sauce thickens. Set aside.
  6. Fill the eggplant halves with the meat sauce. Top with béchamel and bake in a pre heated 180 deg C oven for 40 mins or until browned on top. Allow to cool a little before serving or alternatively serve the next day.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serve Calories 458kcal (23%) Carbohydrates 30g (10%) Protein 25g (50%) Fat 28g (43%) Saturated Fat 14g (70%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4serves

Amount Per Serving

Calories 458

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serve
Calories 458kcal 23%
Carbohydrates 30g 10%
Protein 25g 50%
Fat 28g 43%
Saturated Fat 14g 70%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.