Eggplant Stuffing

Servings: 6
Ingredients:

3 md Eggplants (1 lb ea.)
1/4 c  Olive oil
1/3 c  Chopped scallions
-=OR=- Shallots
1    Garlic clove; sliced (opt.)
1/4 c  Chopped fresh parsley
2 tb Chopped fresh fennel or dill
1/2 ts Allspice; more if necessary
1/4 c  Dry white wine
2 tb Tomato paste; MIXED WITH:
1/2 c  Water
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 c  Bread crumbs

Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise. With a small knife, cut away the
eggplant flesh from the skin without breaking the skin (if planning to
stuff the shells, leave 1/4-inch of the flesh with the skin as a firm
base) and set the shells aside. Dice the eggplant flesh and push through
the medium blade of a meat grinder as quickly as possible to avoid
discoloration. (Or the eggplant may be pureed in a blender or food
processor.)

Heat the oil in a frying pan and saute the scallions and garlic. Add the
parsley, fennel, allspice, wine, and the diluted tomato paste. Stir in
the eggplant pulp, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 20 minutes.
Taste to adjust seasonings. Add the bread crumbs to absorb excess liquid.

Stuff the eggplant shells, if desired, and place in an oiled baking dish.
Bake in a moderate oven (350 F) for 35 minutes. Serve warm - or
particularly good - cold.

From: ‘The Food of Greece’ by Vilma Liacouras Chantiles. Avenel Books,
New York.

Typed for you by Karen Mintzias

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