Moussaka-stuffed aubergines/eggplants

Moussaka is a well-loved Greek dish made with aubergines (eggplants), meat and cheese. This twist on the classic moussaka recipe uses half an aubergine, hollowed and stuffed as opposed to the traditional layered approach. This saves time on assembling but tastes just as delicious! 

Ingredients

Serves Four

3 small aubergines/eggplants

1 onion
3 garlic cloves
olive oil
300g lamb mince *
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp dried oregano
50ml red wine (optional)
1 tin of chopped tomatoes
75g feta cheese
100ml low-fat Greek yogurt
green salad

* Quorn (or other meat substitute) could be used if preferred

Method

1. Preheat the oven to gas 4, 180°C, fan 160°C. Halve the aubergines/eggplants lengthways and scoop out the flesh. Chop the flesh into small (1cm) pieces. Gently fry the onions (finely chopped), garlic (crushed) and aubergine pieces in a splash of the oil, until softened but without colour.
2. Heat up a little oil in a separate frying pan, then season and brown the lamb in batches. Combine the lamb with the onion mixture. Add the cinnamon, oregano and red wine and cook for a few minutes. Add the tomatoes and a cup of water or stock. Bring to the boil and turn down to a simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
3. Meanwhile, place the aubergine skins on a baking tray, season, drizzle with oil and roast for 20 minutes, then take out but leave the oven on.
4. When the lamb is cooked, spoon into the aubergine skins. Crumble the feta, mix with the Greek yogurt and spoon on top. Sprinkle with extra oregano and oven cook for 20 minutes. Serve with a green salad.

Each serving contains

Carbohydrate 11g Protein 22.9g Fat 15g Fibre 5.8g

From recipe idea seen here

Suggestions
Why not make the meat filling earlier in the day and roast the aubergine skins, then all you have to do is put in the oven for 30 minutes or so later in the evening, and dinner is done! Also the meat then has had time to take on the flavours... delicious

You can also ring the changes by making a veggie filling ...

Or try this Vegan Style, Moussaka - see details here

Dear reader, this blog offers a wide variety of recipe/food ideas, not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food likes / dislikes, allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan