Almond Eggplant
Almond eggplant features tender roasted eggplants filled with a savory mixture of ham, almonds, herbs, and cheese, creating a delicious, hearty dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 eggplants (1 lb. each)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 cups soft bread crumbs ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 2/3 cup onion, diced ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons thyme ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons basil ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 3/4 cup sliced almonds ⓘ
- 3/4 cup cooked and diced ham ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- boiling water ⓘ
- paprika (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Halve eggplants lengthwise and scoop out the pulp.
- Chop the pulp and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of oil, add bread crumbs and crushed garlic, and cook for 5 minutes over medium heat until browned.
- Set the bread crumb mixture aside.
- In the same skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil, add the eggplant pulp, diced onions, thyme, and basil, and cook over medium heat until the eggplant is tender.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in the beaten eggs, bread crumbs, 1/2 cup sliced almonds, cooked diced ham, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Place eggplant shells into a large baking pan.
- Spoon the mixture into the shells.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese and remaining sliced almonds.
- Sprinkle with paprika and drizzle remaining oil over the cheese.
- Add 1/2 inch of boiling water to the pan.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until the cheese is browned.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the eggplant mixture. If you don't have sliced almonds, chopped walnuts or pecans can be a great substitute. For a gluten-free version, use crushed gluten-free crackers instead of bread crumbs. Ensure the eggplants are fresh and firm for the best texture. This dish can also be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Almond Eggplant pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For an added touch, serve with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. This dish also works well as a side for grilled meats or as part of a Mediterranean-themed dinner, alongside dishes like Greece A Roni.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the eggplant in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Adding a splash of water to the baking dish can help keep the eggplant moist during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Almond Eggplant contains roughly 1013 calories, with 36g protein, 183g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (207% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (148% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (99% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1552mg per serving (67% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Almond Eggplant vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the ham and replacing it with sautéed mushrooms or additional vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. This will maintain the texture and flavor while keeping it meat-free.
How do I know when the eggplant is cooked properly?
The eggplant is done when it is tender and the cheese on top is golden brown. You can test the tenderness by inserting a fork or knife into the flesh; it should slide in easily. If the cheese is browning too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil.
Can I freeze Almond Eggplant?
Yes, you can freeze Almond Eggplant. After assembling the dish but before baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to cook, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. Be aware that the texture may change slightly after freezing.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).