For best results, select “landscape” setting when printing recipes.


Stuffed Eggplants
Serves:4
Preparation time:40
A tasty side dish or served with a salad, an excellent lunch.  Frying the eggplant pieces  adds great flavor. Top with a bit of tomato sauce for color.
Origin: Anna's Kitchen
Ingredients:

4 small eggplants
4 tablespoons COLAVITA Extra Virgin Olive Oil, divided
1/2 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped Calamata olives
1 tablespoon chopped capers
1 plum tomato, chopped
1/2 cup Italian style seasoned breadcrumbs
1/4 cup Romano cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Additional COLAVITA Extra Virgin Olive Oil, to drizzle, if desired


Preparation:


Slice the eggplant in half length-wise through the stem, leaving the stem on.  With a teaspoon or sharp knife, remove the center flesh from the eggplant, leaving about 1/4 along the skin and bottom.  Cut the flesh into a 1/4 inch dice.  Set the eggplant shells aside.

In a saute pan, heat two tablespoons of the oil; when hot add the chopped eggplant and fry quickly until golden brown.  Remove and drain on paper towels.

Lower the heat, add the remaining oil; saute the onion and garlic until translucent, but not browned. 

In a large bowl, combine the fried eggplant, onions, garlic, capers, olives, tomato, bread crumbs, Romano cheese and parsley.  Mix well. 

Fill eggplant shells with stuffing; bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven for about 40 minutes, the skin of the eggplant should be soft.  Remove from oven, drizzle with additional oil, if desired, and serve.

Per Serving: 370 Calories (47.5% from fat); 21g Fat (3g Sat, 11g Mono, 2g Poly); 9g Protein; 42g Carbohydrate; 13g Dietary Fiber; 8mg Cholesterol; 753mg Sodium.  Food Exchanges: 1/2 Grain (Starch); 1/2 Lean Meat; 6 Vegetable; 4 Fat.