Ingredients
5 small firm eggplants, about 6-7 inches long and 3 inches wide or 5 Japanese eggplants about the same size, divided
5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), divided
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound ground beef or lamb
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 small to medium onion, finely chopped
3-4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
A small handful of raisins
A splash of white wine or chicken stock
3-4 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
A handful basil leaves, torn or chopped
3 tablespoons butter
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup finely chopped parsley leaves (a couple of generous handfuls)
1/2 cup finely grated Pecorino cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
Directions
Pre-heat the oven to 475°F.
Halve four of the eggplants lengthwise. Pour about 1/4 cup EVOO on a rimmed baking sheet. Season the cut eggplant with salt and pepper, to taste, and arrange, cut side down, in the EVOO. Put in the oven and roast until tender, about 20 minutes.
Peel the remaining eggplant and dice into 1/2-inch pieces. In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, add the remaining 1 tablespoon EVOO. Stir in the beef or lamb, tomato paste, onion, garlic, diced eggplant and raisins. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Add the wine or stock and cook until the eggplant and onions are soft, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the pine nuts and basil.
While the meat cooks, melt the butter in small skillet over medium heat, add the breadcrumbs and toast until golden. Transfer to a bowl and cool.
Stir the parsley and cheese into the breadcrumbs and add half of this mixture to the meat. Remove the eggplant from the oven, flip it over and transfer to a serving platter. Top each halved eggplant with a mound of stuffing and sprinkle the remaining cheesy breadcrumbs over the top before serving.
