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SOFT AND MEATY EGGPLANT PILLOWS WITH SPICY FILLING – TURKISH-INSPIRED DELIGHT

By Delicious Recipes!Posted on
SOFT AND MEATY EGGPLANT PILLOWS WITH SPICY FILLING – TURKISH-INSPIRED DELIGHT

SOFT AND MEATY EGGPLANT PILLOWS WITH SPICY FILLING – TURKISH-INSPIRED DELIGHT

This Turkish-inspired dish features tender eggplant slices filled with a flavorful, mildly spicy minced pork filling and baked in a fragrant tomato sauce. A happy kitchen accident with chili paste gave the perfect balance of heat and sweetness.

🕒 Prep Time: 30 min

🍳 Cook Time: 40 min
🍽️ Yields: 2 servings (6 stuffed eggplant pillows)

Ingredients

  • 2 elongated eggplants
  • Oil for brushing
  • 100 ml Greek-style tomato sauce
  • 150 ml water
  • 1 semi-spicy Bulgarian pepper (or 1 green hot pepper)
  • 1/4 red bell pepper
  • Salt, to taste

Filling:

  • 250 g minced pork
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 tbsp pepper paste (sweet, hot, or mixed to taste)
  • 1 tsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 tsp Turkish spice mix
  • A few sprigs parsley, finely chopped
  • A few sprigs dill, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Filling:
    Heat oil in a pan and sauté onion until slightly softened (~5 minutes). Add pepper paste and tomato paste; cook 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Turkish spice mix.
  2. Pour mixture over minced pork. Add most of the chopped herbs (reserve some for garnish) and salt. Knead filling briefly and chill until ready to use.
  3. Prepare Eggplants:
    Trim eggplant ends. Slice lengthwise into ~0.5 cm slices (a mandoline or slicer works well). Brush both sides with oil.
  4. Heat a grill pan until hot. Grill eggplant slices about 3 minutes per side until grill marks appear and slices become flexible enough to roll but are not fully cooked. Sprinkle lightly with salt as you remove from pan.
  5. Assemble Pillows:
    Take two similarly sized eggplant slices and cross them (see step photos). Place 1 tbsp filling in the center and level it. Fold opposite edges of the bottom slice over the filling, then fold the other two edges over, turning the bundle seam-side down. Place each pillow in a baking dish (25×15 cm is just enough for 6 pillows).
  6. Insert bell pepper strips between pillows for flavor and presentation.
  7. Mix tomato sauce and water; pour around the edges of the baking dish. Sprinkle reserved herbs over the pillows. Place the hot pepper on top.
  8. Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 35-40 minutes until heated through and flavors meld.

💡 Tips

  • Adjust pepper paste for desired spice level.
  • Use fresh herbs for best aroma.
  • Grill eggplants just until pliable to avoid soggy texture.
  • Serve warm with crusty bread or rice.

🎉 Perfect For

  • Turkish-inspired meals
  • Flavorful vegetable and meat dishes
  • Elegant vegetarian-friendly swaps (use plant-based mince)
  • Cozy family dinners

📝 Final Thoughts

These soft, meaty eggplant pillows combine sweet, spicy, and aromatic flavors for a comforting and impressive meal. The interplay between tender eggplant and savory filling makes them a perfect addition to your recipe collection.