19 Italian Grandma Stuffed Eggplant Recipe You Must Try Them!
Published on: Mar 15, 2024
Italian cuisine is known for its rich and hearty flavors, and the stuffed eggplant is a classic dish that is loved by many. This traditional dish has been passed down through generations of Italian grandmothers, each adding their own special touch to make it truly unique. If you've never tried an Italian grandma's stuffed eggplant, you're in for a treat. This recipe is a labor of love, but the end result is a delicious and comforting meal that will transport you to Italy with every bite.
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Eggplants, Salt, Freshly Ground
If you're looking for a delicious and healthy side dish to accompany your beer can chicken, look no further than this Italian-style grilled eggplant recipe. Not only is it easy to make, but it's also packed with flavor and nutrients.
This dish starts with fresh eggplants, sliced and seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic. After grilling to perfection, the eggplant is topped with fresh mozzarella cheese and sliced tomatoes. The result is a mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress your friends and family.
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Eggplant Caponata
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Kosher Salt, Olive Oil, Celery, Bulb Fennel
Caponata is a traditional Italian dish that is perfect for serving alongside beer can chicken. It's a flavorful and hearty dish that is made with eggplants, tomatoes, olives, onions, and capers.
The eggplant is first sautéed until tender, then combined with the other ingredients to create a delicious and colorful dish. This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile choice for any meal.
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Stuffed Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Cooked Rice, Onion, Garlic, Spaghetti Sauce
For a more substantial side dish, try this stuffed eggplant recipe. It's a hearty and satisfying dish that is filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, herbs, and cheese.
The eggplant is first baked until tender, then stuffed with the filling and baked again until heated through. This dish is perfect for a cold winter night or a summer barbecue.
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Keto Stuffed Peppers – Italian Style
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Olive Oil, Bell Peppers, Onion
If you're following a keto diet, this Italian-style stuffed pepper recipe is a must-try. It's a low-carb, high-fat dish that is packed with flavor and nutrients.
The peppers are filled with a mixture of ground turkey, ricotta cheese, spinach, and Italian herbs. They are then topped with shredded mozzarella cheese and baked until golden and bubbly. This dish is sure to become a new family favorite.
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Italian Stuffed Eggplant with Ground Veal
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Eggplants, Sea Salt, Olive Oil, Veal, Ground
This Italian-style stuffed eggplant recipe is a delicious and unique twist on the classic dish. Instead of using ground beef, this recipe calls for ground veal, which adds a rich and savory flavor to the filling.
The eggplant is first roasted until tender, then stuffed with a mixture of ground veal, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and herbs. It's then topped with a tomato sauce and baked until heated through. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner.
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Italian Stuffed Eggplant (Mozzarella and Tomato)
Main Ingredients: Large Eggplant, Canned Chopped Tomatoes, Garlic, Fresh
This simple yet flavorful Italian stuffed eggplant recipe is a great way to use up any leftover eggplants you may have. It's a light and healthy dish that is perfect for a summer meal.
The eggplant is stuffed with a mixture of chopped tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, garlic, and basil. It's then baked until the cheese is melted and the eggplant is tender. Serve it as a side dish or as a vegetarian main course.
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Italian Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms
Main Ingredients: Mushrooms, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Shallots, Garlic
If you're looking for a vegetarian option to serve alongside your beer can chicken, these Italian stuffed mushrooms are a great choice. They are packed with flavor and are sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
The mushrooms are stuffed with a mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic, and Italian herbs. They are then baked until golden and crispy. These mushrooms are perfect for parties or as a side dish for any meal.
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Vegetable Stuffed Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Fresh Mint, Tomatoes, Garlic Cloves, Onion
This vegetable stuffed eggplant recipe is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables in a delicious and creative way. The eggplant is first roasted until tender, then filled with a mixture of zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
The result is a colorful and flavorful dish that is perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking to add more vegetables to their diet. Serve it as a side dish or as a main course with a side of crusty bread.
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GRANDMA’S RICOTTA STUFFED EGGPLANT ROLLS
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Ricotta, Eggs, Fresh Italian Parsley, Grated
This recipe for grandma's ricotta stuffed eggplant rolls is a nostalgic and delicious dish that is sure to bring back memories of family dinners. The eggplant is first thinly sliced and fried until crispy.
The slices are then filled with a mixture of ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, spinach, and herbs. They are then rolled up and baked until heated through. Serve these rolls as an appetizer or as a side dish for your beer can chicken.
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Italian Grilled Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Italian Parsley, Garlic, Olive Oil
This Italian grilled eggplant recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for a summer barbecue. The eggplant is first marinated in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs.
It's then grilled until tender and topped with a fresh tomato and basil salsa. The result is a light and healthy dish that is perfect for serving alongside beer can chicken.
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Stuffed Italian Pastries
Main Ingredients: Flour, Fresh Yeast, Dried Yeast, Sugar, Salt, Olive
If you're looking for a savory and unique side dish to accompany your beer can chicken, try these stuffed Italian pastries. They are made with a flaky and buttery pastry dough and filled with a mixture of ricotta cheese, spinach, and herbs.
These pastries are a great way to add some variety to your meal and are sure to impress your guests. Serve them warm and watch them disappear in no time.
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Nani's Italian Stuffed Peppers
Main Ingredients: Red Bell Peppers, Eggplants, Yellow Squash, Ground
This recipe for Nani's Italian stuffed peppers is a family favorite that has been passed down from generation to generation. It's a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cold winter night.
The peppers are filled with a mixture of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and herbs. They are then baked until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through. Serve them with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.
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Simple Italian Fried Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Canola, Large Eggs, Flour, Salt
This simple Italian fried eggplant recipe is a classic and delicious dish that is perfect for serving alongside your beer can chicken. The eggplant is first sliced and coated in breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese.
It's then fried until golden and crispy. This dish is perfect for those who are short on time but still want to serve a flavorful and satisfying side dish.
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Italian Layered Vegetable Casserole
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Medium Zucchini, Chopped Parsley, Onion
This Italian layered vegetable casserole is a great way to get your fill of vegetables in a delicious and creative way. It's made with layers of eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, and bell peppers.
Each layer is seasoned with Italian herbs and topped with a tomato sauce. The casserole is then baked until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together. This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prep.
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Italian Eggplant Ricotta Bake
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Small Onion, Garlic, Eggplant, Large Tomato
If you're looking for a creamy and satisfying side dish to serve alongside your beer can chicken, this Italian eggplant ricotta bake is a great choice. It's made with layers of eggplant, ricotta cheese, spinach, and herbs.
The dish is then topped with a tomato sauce and baked until heated through. The result is a creamy and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your guests.
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Eggplant Cacciatore
Main Ingredients: Italian Eggplant, Olive Oil, Penne Pasta, Cremini
This eggplant cacciatore recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for serving alongside your beer can chicken. It's made with eggplant, tomatoes, bell peppers, garlic, and herbs.
The vegetables are cooked in a tomato sauce until tender and served over your choice of pasta. This dish is a great way to add some variety to your meal and is sure to become a new family favorite.
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Stuffed Eggplant Parm
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Olive Oil, Kosher Salt, Freshly Ground Black
This stuffed eggplant Parmesan recipe is a creative and delicious twist on the classic dish. The eggplant is first sliced and filled with a mixture of ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, spinach, and herbs.
It's then topped with a tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese and baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve it as a main dish or as a side dish alongside your beer can chicken.
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Italian Eggplant Grilled Cheese
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Sandwich Bread, Butter, Garlic Powder
This Italian eggplant grilled cheese recipe is a unique and delicious twist on the classic sandwich. It's made with slices of grilled eggplant, fresh mozzarella cheese, and a tomato and basil salsa.
The sandwich is then grilled until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasty. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner, and pairs perfectly with beer can chicken.
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Eggplant Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Fresh Ground Black
This eggplant lasagna recipe is a healthy and delicious alternative to the traditional dish. It's made with layers of eggplant, ricotta cheese, ground beef, and tomato sauce.
The result is a creamy and satisfying dish that is perfect for serving alongside your beer can chicken. It's also a great way to sneak some extra vegetables into your meal.
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Pesto Stuffed Shells
Main Ingredients: Frozen Spinach, Ricotta, Shredded Mozzarella, Basil
These pesto stuffed shells are a creative and delicious way to use eggplant in a pasta dish. The shells are stuffed with a mixture of pesto, ricotta cheese, and spinach.
The shells are then baked in a tomato sauce until heated through and topped with mozzarella cheese. This dish is perfect for serving alongside your beer can chicken and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
The History of Stuffed Eggplant
The Origins
The origins of stuffed eggplant can be traced back to the Mediterranean region, particularly in Greece and Italy. The ancient Greeks and Romans were known for their love of eggplants, which they believed had medicinal properties. They stuffed eggplants with a variety of fillings, such as meats, cheeses, and spices, and baked them in clay ovens. This dish was considered a delicacy and was often served at feasts and special occasions.
The Evolution
As the recipe spread throughout Europe, different regions put their own spin on it, incorporating local ingredients and flavors. In Italy, the dish became known as "melanzane ripiene" and was a staple in many households, especially in the southern regions. Italian grandmothers would often use leftover bread, vegetables, and meats to create a flavorful filling for the eggplant. The dish was not only delicious but also a great way to use up leftovers and reduce food waste.
The Modern Version
Today, stuffed eggplant is still a popular dish in many Italian households, and each family has their own unique way of making it. Some prefer a meat-based filling, while others opt for a vegetarian version. The filling may include a combination of breadcrumbs, cheese, herbs, and spices, and is often topped with a rich tomato sauce. While the traditional method involves baking the eggplant in the oven, some modern versions call for grilling or even frying the eggplant before filling it.
The Italian Grandma's Recipe
Ingredients:
2 large eggplants
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup diced prosciutto or cooked sausage
1 cup tomato sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for cooking
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Wash the eggplants and cut off the tops. Cut them in half lengthwise, and using a spoon, scoop out the flesh, leaving about 1/2 inch of eggplant attached to the skin. Set aside the scooped out flesh.
Sprinkle salt over the eggplant halves and let them sit for 15 minutes. This will help remove any bitterness from the eggplant.
In a pan, heat some olive oil and add the eggplant flesh, garlic, and onion. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes.
In a bowl, mix together the cooked eggplant, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, and prosciutto/sausage. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Fill the scooped out eggplant halves with the mixture and place them in a baking dish.
Top each eggplant with tomato sauce and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the eggplant is tender.
Let the stuffed eggplant cool for a few minutes before serving.
Final Thoughts
The stuffed eggplant is a dish that has stood the test of time and continues to be a beloved meal in Italian households. It's a perfect representation of the Italian culture, with its use of simple ingredients and hearty flavors. So why not channel your inner Italian grandma and give this recipe a try? Your taste buds will thank you.
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