| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 297 | 15.1g | 4.9g | 31.8g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10.3g | 9.6g | 11.8g | 0.95g |
Why I Love British Stuffed Aubergines with Quinoa and Feta
For any food explorer or culinary globetrotter, my British-inspired recipe of Stuffed Aubergines with Quinoa and Feta is a delight not to be missed. This drugstore dish, a delectable marriage of earthy aubergines, wholesome quinoa and savory feta, offers not only a symphony of flavors but also an array of health benefits, making it a much-loved dish in my kitchen.
An Homage to British Cuisine
Being a culinary professional has allowed me to experiment with and appreciate an extensive palette of world cuisines. In particular, this recipe holds a cherished place on my menu. It’s a nod to some of Britain’s best offerings, a classic with my personal spin, taking inspiration from the acclaimed Chef Jamie Oliver.
A Nutritional Powerhouse
In addition to its inviting flavors, what wraps me up in the culinary embrace of Stuffed Aubergines with Quinoa and Feta is its rich nutritional content. Consuming it serves up a substantial portion of protein from the quinoa and feta, while the aubergines bring in fiber and a host of vitamins and minerals. Moreover, the dish’s flavorful herbs not only enhance the taste but significantly contribute to its benefits making it an incredibly satisfying, healthy meal.
Given the taste complexity and ingredients of this recipe, it pairs beautifully with a serving of a lemony arugula salad. For those partial to seafood, it might work well alongside a lightly seasoned grilled fish. The ubiquity of the ingredients and the adaptability of this dish make it a quintessential creation adaptable to various regional tastes and preferences.
In conclusion, the Stuffed Aubergines with Quinoa and Feta recipe is a testament to my love for reinterpreting world cuisines through a health-enhancing lens. The result is a satisfying dish that doesn’t compromise on taste, vibrancy, or health. Its flavors whisk you away on a culinary journey around the world, while its healthful nourishment keeps you anchored at home, making it a genuinely irreplaceable addition to my repertoire.
What You’ll Need
- 3 large aubergines (eggplants)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 cup of quinoa
- 2 cups of vegetable broth
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup of feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
Method
Step One
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Cut the aubergines (eggplants) in half lengthways and scoop out the flesh leaving a shell about 1cm thick. Brush the inside of the aubergine shells with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and place them on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
Step Two
While the aubergine shells are baking, chop the aubergine flesh. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until soft and translucent. Add the chopped aubergine flesh and red bell pepper to the pan and continue to cook for a further 10 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
Step Three
Add the quinoa to the pan along with the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to the boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and has absorbed all the vegetable broth.
Step Four
Add the diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt and pepper to the pan. Stir well to combine, then remove from the heat and stir in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley and mint.
Step Five
Remove the baked aubergine shells from the oven and fill them with the quinoa mixture. Return the stuffed aubergines to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden and crispy. Serve the stuffed aubergines hot, garnished with extra fresh herbs if desired.
