Karnıyarık

posted in: Main Dishes, Recipes | 6

Stuffed Eggplant Boats

Karnıyarık literally means split bellies/stomach because you split the eggplant and stuff the belly part.

  • 6 slender Eggplant
  • Olive Oil
  • 1/2 lb Ground Beef or Lamb
  • 1 Onion, finely chopped
  • 1 Tomato, diced
  • 1 lg bell Green Pepper
  • 2 cloves Garlic, crushed
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
  • 1/4 tsp Mint (dried flakes)
  • 1/4 tsp Cumin
  • 2 heaping soup spoons Tomato Paste

 

  1. Peel the Eggplant and split them in half lengthwise.
  2. Liberally coat a baking pan with Olive Oil and place Eggplant halves on top & brush with Olive Oil.
  3. Bake at 375°F until tender (about 30 mins or more).
  4. In a frying pan sautée Onions & Peppers in a bit of Olive Oil.
  5. Add Meat and cook until brown.
  6. Add diced Tomatoes, Spices & 1 heaping spoon of Tomato Paste and cook until well mixed and tender.
  7. Upon removing the Eggplant from the oven use a fork to gently carve away the middle. Don’t remove any vegetable, simply carve or mash it down so that you can fill it (like a boat).
  8. Gently spoon the Meat filling onto the Eggplant until it is nice & rounded.
  9. In a separate bowl mix remaining Paste with Water to thin it into a nice sauce. Pour on top of stuffed Eggplant.
  10. Return tray to oven and bake until sauce begins to bubble (about 30 mins). Allow to bubble for 5 mins then it is ready to serve.
  11. Serve on a bed of Rice Pilaf along with Plain Yogurt.

 

Fresh Eggplant from the Pazar (outdoor market)

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6 Responses

  1. Julene

    This is a recipe I was hesitant to try because I don’t like tomatoes or eggplants, but it has quickly become one of my favorite Turkish dishes!The fact that the eggplant is baked gives it a slightly different taste (I think a much better taste personally). I definitely recommend making this dish!

  2. Elisia Meyle

    Great dish for guests! I had this the first time vusiting central turkey and was skeptical of ever finding a recipe to replicate that beautiful taste… This recipe is it.

  3. Susan Sampson

    I like finding recipes that use eggplants in creative ways. Not only is this delicious but also very healthy.

  4. Samantha Bennett

    This is probably the best food I had while in Turkey–apart from Iskender–and I’ve been craving it since I was last there! Awesome recipe that uses Eggplant in a tasty way and as a star of the dish rather than as an afterthought. Strongly recommend!

  5. Linnea Meyle

    I was so glad I was able to try this Eggplant dish while visiting Turkey. I would highly recommend trying this recipe. What a delightfully delicious creation, Jale!

  6. Deb

    I made this wonderful recipe when friends came for dinner & we all loved it! My friend even asked for the recipe to make again. I love how you explain each step w/ pictures!

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