Mediterranean mince and eggplant bake

Introduction

If you’re looking to tantalise your taste buds with a hearty, wholesome and healthy dish, then Mediterranean mince and eggplant bake might just be the answer you’re seeking. This warm and satisfying casserole, brimming with the robust flavours of the Mediterranean, could be the star of your next meal!

Ingredients Required

For this delightful dish, we will need:

– 1 large eggplant (or aubergine if you prefer the British term) (approx. 500g)
– 500g of lean beef mince
– 1 can of diced tomatoes (approx. 400g)
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 large onion, diced (approx. 150g)
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil (15ml)
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano (5g)
– 1 teaspoon of dried basil (5g)
– 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (2.5g)
– Salt and pepper to taste

Time Required

Prepare to spend about 15 minutes for preparation and around 45 minutes for baking. So, in roughly an hour, you can have this Mediterranean mince and eggplant bake ready to serve.

Serving Size

This hearty dish serves four people, making it perfect for a family dinner.

Nutritional Facts

Per serving, this dish contains around 350 calories, 20 grams of protein, 25 grams of carbohydrates, 10 grams of dietary fibre, and 12 grams of fat. Remember, these values may vary slightly depending on the exact products you use.

Method of Preparation 

Follow these steps to create your Mediterranean mince and eggplant bake:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (approx. 400°F).
2. While the oven is heating, cut your eggplant into 1cm thick slices.
3. Lay the slices out on a baking tray, lightly sprinkle them with salt and let them rest for 15 minutes.
4. In a large pan, heat the olive oil and add the minced garlic and diced onion. Cook until they become translucent.
5. Add the beef mince to the pan and cook until it is browned.
6. Stir in the diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
7. Pat the eggplant slices dry and arrange them at the bottom of a baking dish.
8. Pour the mince mixture over the eggplant slices and spread evenly.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the eggplant is tender and the top is golden brown.

Tips to get the best Mediterranean mince and eggplant bake

1. Make sure to thoroughly drain the canned tomatoes to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.
2. To check if the eggplant is cooked, pierce it with a fork. If it goes in easily, your Mediterranean mince and eggplant bake is ready!

Serving Suggestions

This Mediterranean mince and eggplant bake can be served hot, straight from the oven. Pair it with a fresh, leafy salad and a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal. Remember, this dish is not only delicious, but it’s also a fantastic way to introduce more vegetables into your diet.

There you have it! A scrumptious, easy-to-make Mediterranean mince and eggplant bake that’s sure to become a favourite in your household. The perfect combination of healthy and hearty, this dish is a testament to the allure of Mediterranean cuisine. Enjoy!