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
- Peel the Eggplant and split them in half lengthwise.
- Liberally coat a baking pan with Olive Oil and place Eggplant halves on top & brush with Olive Oil.
- Bake at 375°F until tender (about 30 mins or more).
- In a frying pan sautée Onions & Peppers in a bit of Olive Oil.
- Add Meat and cook until brown.
- Add diced Tomatoes, Spices & 1 heaping spoon of Tomato Paste and cook until well mixed and tender.
- 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).
- Gently spoon the Meat filling onto the Eggplant until it is nice & rounded.
- In a separate bowl mix remaining Paste with Water to thin it into a nice sauce. Pour on top of stuffed Eggplant.
- 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.
- Serve on a bed of Rice Pilaf along with Plain Yogurt.
Fresh Eggplant from the Pazar (outdoor market)
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!
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.
Susan Sampson
I like finding recipes that use eggplants in creative ways. Not only is this delicious but also very healthy.
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!
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!
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!