Easy Mediterranean Stuffed Eggplant Recipe (Vegetarian)

This stuffed eggplant recipe begins with tender roasted eggplant halves that are filled with a simple vegan stuffing of instant cooked couscous, chickpeas, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. This makes a beautiful vegetarian main or a side dish next to your favorite protein! Serve it warm or at room temperature.

Great

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Cut eggplant in half lengthwise. Season the flesh with kosher salt. Set aside, flesh side up, for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the eggplant to "sweat." Pat dry with a paper towel. (This is an optional step but can make a big difference).

Step 2

Heat the oven to 425°F.

Step 3

In a small bowl, mix together the spices (allspice, coriander, paprika, and ground cinnamon).

Step 4

Pat eggplant dry. Brush the flesh with extra virgin olive oil. Set aside about 1 tsp of the spice mixture and use the rest to season the eggplant (rub the spice mixture allover the top of each eggplant half.)

Step 5

Roast the Eggplant. Place eggplant halves, flesh side up, on a generously oiled sheet pan. Bake in the heated oven for 35 to 45 minutes or until the eggplant flesh is nice and tender.

Step 6

Cook the instant couscous, while the eggplant is roasting. Heat a little bit of extra virgin olive oil in a saucepan. Add the couscous and cook briefly, stirring regularly, until toasted. Add 1 cup of boiling water to the couscous and immediately remove from heat. Cover and let sit for 10 minutes until the couscous is cooked (it will double in size).

Step 7

Make the filling. Fluff the couscous with a fork and season with a dash of salt and the 1 tsp of spice mixture you reserved earlier. Add chickpeas, chopped tomatoes, green onions, and parsley. Toss to combine.

Step 8

Assemble the stuffed eggplant. Arrange the roasted eggplant on a serving platter, flesh side up. With the back of a spoon, push the flesh down to create somewhat of a cavity for the couscous filling. Spoon in the couscous filling. Drizzle with tahini. Enjoy!

Step 9

Using a mortar and pestle, crush the garlic cloves with the salt into a paste (or mince the garlic and season with salt.)

Step 10

Add the crushed garlic, tahini paste and lime juice to the bowl of a food processor and blend (it will be thick as it emulsifies.) Add a little bit of water and blend again until you reach the desired consistency.

Step 11

Transfer the tahini to a serving bowl, and if you like stir in fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy!

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