Melitzanes Papoutsakia: Stuffed Eggplants Shoes

Melitzanes Papoutsakia: Stuffed Eggplants Shoes

My daughter, Alexandra made this last evening and told me in general what she did and I choose to recreate it for us.  I had some Eggplant and very ripe tomatoes which needed to be used, so it sounded prefect!  And it was!!  Hurray to Alexandra!

I large Eggplant

I medium onion chopped finely

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 ½ large tomatoes diced

1 tablespoon chopped garlic

1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

1 teaspoon oregano

1 ½ tablespoon balsamic Vinegar

1 teaspoon brown sugar

1 1/2 teaspoon salt

pepper to taste

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

¼ cup of water

½ cup water

1 cup orzo

Cut the eggplant lengthwise in half.  Scoop out the insides leaving 1/8-1/4 inch side on the eggplant.

 Chop the insides of the eggplants and place in a pan that has the olive oil warming.    

Add the onion, tomatoes, spices and cook 4 minutes. Then add the water and stir and simmer about another 5 mins.

Stuff the eggplants and place in a baking dish.  Spill the orzo around the side of the eggplants.  Add another ½ cup of water to pan. 

Cover with tin foil and bake at 350 for 45 mins.  Spoon the Orzo on top and plate.

TIPS:

Add

·        Feta Cheese

·        Add Green Pepper diced

·        Add Parmesan cheese

·        Can add ground meat or sausage, which has been sauteed with the other vegetables

·        I think mint would be great as well inside the shoes.

·        If you want if thicker, add some bread crumbs.