Heart-Healthy Mediterranean Stuffed Eggplant
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this vibrant and nutritious Heart-Healthy Mediterranean Stuffed Eggplant recipe, a delicious nod to the flavors of the Mediterranean diet. Perfectly roasted eggplant halves serve as a tender vessel for a hearty filling of sautéed vegetables, protein-packed quinoa, and tangy feta cheese, all infused with aromatic herbs like oregano and parsley. This dish combines the wholesome goodness of spinach and cherry tomatoes with a zesty pop of fresh lemon juice, making it as refreshing as it is satisfying. Ready in just over an hour, this vegetarian recipe is ideal for health-conscious meal planners seeking flavorful options that are naturally rich in fiber, vitamins, and heart-healthy olive oil. Serve it warm as a stunning main course or a crowd-pleasing side dish for gatherings.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 200 grams cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 100 grams fresh spinach, chopped
- 100 grams feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving a 1/2-inch (1.2 cm) thick shell. Chop the removed flesh and set aside.
Brush the inside of the eggplant shells with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Arrange them cut-side up on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, or until tender.
While the eggplant shells are baking, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
Stir in the red bell pepper and chopped eggplant flesh, cooking for another 5 minutes until soft.
Add the cherry tomatoes and cooked quinoa to the skillet, stirring to combine.
Fold in the chopped spinach, allowing it to wilt in the heat of the mixture.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the crumbled feta cheese, lemon juice, fresh parsley, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Once the eggplant shells are done baking, remove them from the oven and carefully spoon the vegetable and quinoa mixture into each shell, packing it gently.
Return the stuffed eggplants to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1079 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 69.1 g | 89% | |
| Saturated Fat | 21.0 g | 105% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 83 mg | 28% | |
| Sodium | 2356 mg | 102% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 89.7 g | 33% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.2 g | 72% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.1 g | ||
| Protein | 32.2 g | 64% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 716 mg | 55% | |
| Iron | 9.1 mg | 51% | |
| Potassium | 2426 mg | 52% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
