Embark on a culinary journey with this recipe for Mediterranean Stuffed Vegetables, a dish that brings together the rich flavors of the region in a delightful and nutritious way. Featuring tender eggplants, crisp cabbage, and fresh zucchinis filled with a savory mixture of jasmine rice, minced lamb, and a medley of herbs and spices, this dish is a feast for the senses. Topped with a homemade tomato sauce and baked to perfection, it’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Vegetables:
- 2 eggplants (500g), sliced
- 1 small head of cabbage
- 3 zucchinis (600g), sliced into thin long strips
- Olive oil, salt, and black pepper for seasoning
For the Stuffing:
- 400g jasmine rice, washed and soaked
- 250g minced lamb
- 1 large onion (250g), grated
- 2 tomatoes (350g), puréed
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste (45g)
- 10g fresh coriander, chopped
- 10g fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons dried mint
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (60ml)
- 3 tablespoons pomegranate molasses (45ml, optional)
For the Sauce:
- Olive oil
- 1 onion (150g), chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (20g)
- 200g tomatoes, diced
- 6 cups water
- 2 teaspoons vegetable bouillon
- Bay leaves, salt, and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Eggplants: Slice, place on a parchment-lined tray, drizzle with olive oil, season, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.
- Cabbage: Boil in salted water for 10 minutes, then peel and prepare the leaves.
- Zucchinis: Slice into thin, long strips.
- Make the Stuffing:
- In a large bowl, combine the rice, minced lamb, grated onion, puréed tomatoes, tomato paste, chopped herbs, spices, lemon juice, and pomegranate molasses. Mix well.
- Stuff and Roll:
- Lay out the vegetable slices, place a portion of the stuffing on each, roll them up, and arrange them in a pot lined with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a saucepan, sauté the chopped onion and garlic, then add the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, water, bouillon, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, then strain.
- Bake:
- Pour the sauce over the stuffed vegetable rolls. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 1 hour.
- Serve:
- Carefully flip the contents onto a serving tray to display the beautifully stuffed vegetables.
Conclusion:
This Mediterranean Stuffed Vegetables dish is a celebration of flavors and textures, combining the freshness of garden vegetables with the richness of a spiced lamb and rice filling. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to include your favorite vegetables and herbs, making it a perfect centerpiece for a family dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy the process of creating this beautiful, flavorful dish and the wonderful tastes it brings to your table.