Summer Nights Eggplants

Eggplant is stuffed with sauteed eggplant, onion, peppers and bread crumbs, then topped off with some feta cheese and baked. I named it after the long summer nights I spent with my family on the balcony eating this tasty recipe, because at this season in Greece we have plenty of eggplants and cook them in various ways.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Calories: 645 Calories

Ingredients

• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 2 large eggplants
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• ½ cup olive oil for frying
• 2 small tomatoes, chopped
• 4 cups dry bread crumbs

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 2

Remove the leaves from the eggplants, and slice in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the centers of the eggplants, leaving a half-inch shell so they resemble 'canoes'. Cut the center portion into small pieces, and set aside.

Step 3

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, and saute for a few minutes, until tender. Add the eggplant pieces, and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the tomato, green pepper, and parsley. Simmer for about 10 minutes.

Step 4

Remove from the heat, and transfer to a large bowl. Stir in the bread crumbs until evenly blended. Divide the mixture evenly between the four eggplant shells. Sprinkle feta cheese over the top. Place the eggplant halves on a baking sheet.

Step 5

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven, until the tops are browned and the cheese is melted. Serve hot or cold. I prefer them chilled.