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    Home » Persian Recipes

    Stuffed Eggplant with Lamb and Walnuts

    Published: Mar 11, 2018 · Modified: Apr 6, 2020 by Shadi HasanzadeNemati · This post may contain affiliate links .

    549 shares
    • 92
    Jump to Recipe

    Stuffed eggplant with lamb and walnuts is a family favorite recipe. Juicy eggplants are roasted to perfection, topped with spicy lamb and crunchy walnuts. It's the perfect combination of flavors that would leave you wanting more!

    Stuffed Eggplant with Walnuts and Lamb is a family favorite. Juicy eggplants are roasted to perfection, topped with spicy lamb and crunchy walnuts. It's the perfect combination of flavors!

    My love for eggplant recipes have always been strong and luckily, this is a vegetable that's popular in Mediterranean, Persian and Turkish cuisine. What I love the most about eggplant is that you can prepare it in many different ways such as caponata, middle eastern eggplant, eggplant soup and eggplant lasagna. Today I'm going to show you a new way to prepare eggplant for your family that you're going to love!

    Table Of Contents:
    • Why you'll love this recipe
    • Ingredients and substitutions
    • How to make stuffed eggplant
    • Serving suggestions
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More Eggplant Recipes
    • Step-by-Step Recipe

    Why you'll love this recipe

    • It's packed with amazing flavors thanks to the walnut and spices.
    • This is a recipe that's easy enough to make for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough that you can serve it at a gathering as well.
    • You can make the filling ahead of time and even freeze it if needed.

    Ingredients and substitutions

    Eggplant: It's best to use Italian eggplant for this recipe. Globe eggplants could be too big and Chinese eggplants would be too narrow.

    Onion and garlic: The base of the lamb filling. I like to add a good amount of garlic but you can use less if desired.

    Ground lamb: The flavor of lamb is different from beef and it goes well with the spices mentioned in the recipe. However, if you're not a fan of lamb, you can use ground beef instead.

    Walnuts: They add a nice crunch to the filling and would make the stuffed eggplants even more delicious.

    Spice mix: You need a combination of cumin, turmeric, salt and pepper.

    Pomegranate molasses: To bring everything together, a drizzle of quality pomegranate molasses is what you need. I like to get the pomegranate molasses with minimum to no added sugar so my filling tastes a bit sour and tangy.

    How to make stuffed eggplant

    • Cut the eggplant into half lengthwise, cut diamonds into it without cutting into the skin, and brush some olive oil on top.
    • Roast in the oven for 30 minutes until it's golden brown. Meanwhile, make the lamb and walnut mixture by sautéing onion, garlic, lamb, walnuts and a selection of spices.
    • Finish with a drizzle of pomegranate molasses for a kick of flavor.
    • Once the eggplant is roasted, top it with the lamb and walnut mixture and serve immediately. The flavor mixture is great for a family dinner or a dinner party.
    roast the eggplant, make the filling and stuff the eggplant

    Serving suggestions

    If you want to have a light lunch or dinner, you can serve these stuffed eggplants boats on their own, but you can also serve them with different sides:

    • Rice: Persian rice and tahdig, Lebanese rice and vermicelli, instant pot brown rice, Greek lemon rice and dill rice.
    • Bread: Lavash, pita, naan or barbari.
    • Salad: Greek salad, cucumber tomato feta salad, Mediterranean salad and salad shirazi.
    Top eggplants with sauteed lamb and walnuts. Garnish with parsley.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How can I choose the right eggplant at the grocery store?

    To choose the right eggplant, you should make sure it feels heavy for its size and the skin should be dark and shiny without any brown spots. It should feel very firm and not soft at all.

    Can I use beef instead of lamb?

    Yes, you can use lean ground beef instead of ground lamb for this recipe.

    How can I make this dish vegetarian?

    Leave out the lamb and use chopped mushrooms or cooked lentils instead.

    How to store stuffed eggplant?

    Store the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 300 degrees F for about 20 minutes.

    Can I make this ahead of time?

    You can make the filling up to 2 days ahead of time and keep it refrigerated until you're ready to cook. You can also freeze the filling for up to 3 months.

    Stuffed eggplant is perfect for any occasion. It's topped with lamb and walnuts.

    More Eggplant Recipes

    • Kashke Bademjan (Persian Eggplant Dip)
    • Eggplant Caponata Recipe
    • Karniyarik Turkish Stuffed Eggplant Recipe [Video]
    • Cheese Stuffed Eggplant Meatballs

    Did you make this recipe? I'd love to hear about it! Please comment and leave a 5-star🌟 rating below. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest or subscribe to our newsletter to get a free e-Cookbook!

    Step-by-Step Recipe

    Stuffed Eggplant with Lamb and Walnuts

    Shadi HasanzadeNemati
    Stuffed Eggplant with Walnuts and Lamb is a family favorite. Juicy eggplants are roasted to perfection, topped with spicy lamb and crunchy walnuts. It's the perfect combination of flavors!
    4.59 from 17 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 40 minutes mins
    Total Time 55 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Mediterranean
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 541 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 large Eggplants
    • ¼ cup Olive Oil
    • 1 large Onion Diced
    • 4 cloves Garlic Minced
    • 1 lb Ground Lamb
    • 1 cup Walnuts Chopped
    • ½ teaspoon Cumin
    • 1 tsp Salt
    • ½ teaspoon Turmeric
    • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
    • ⅓ cup Pomegranate Molasses See Notes
    • ⅓ cup Parsley Chopped

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 375 F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Coat with non stick spray. 
    • Cut the eggplants in halves lengthwise. Cut diamonds into each eggplant half, make sure not to pierce into the eggplant skin. 
    • Brush the eggplants with olive oil. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until they're cooked. 
    • Meanwhile, heat a pan over medium heat and pour the 2 tablespoons olive oil into the pan. Saute onion until translucent. Add in garlic and cook for two minutes. 
    • Add in ground lamb and cook until the meat is golden brown and fully cooked. 
    • Add in walnuts, cumin, turmeric, salt and pepper. Stir well until everything is incorporated. 
    • Mix in the pomegranate molasses. Cook for 5 minutes. 
    • Top the roasted eggplants with the lamb and walnut mixture. Add some parsley. Serve immediately. 

    Notes

    • To make pomegranate molasses at home, simmer pomegranate juice over medium heat until it thickens and has the consistency of syrup. 
    • Store the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 300 degrees F for 20 minutes until heated through. 
    • You can use cooked lentils or mushrooms instead of lamb for a vegetarian version. 
    • If you don't like lamb, use lean ground beef for this recipe. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 541kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 18gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 12gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 446mgPotassium: 856mgFiber: 9gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 341IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 3mg
    Did you make this recipe? Let us know how it was by leaving a comment and a 5-star review!

    This post was sponsored by California Walnuts. As always, all opinions are mine. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Unicorns in the Kitchen.

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    549 shares
    • 92

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Dannii

      March 02, 2023 at 12:43 pm

      5 stars
      We are always looking for new ways to cook with lamb and this was delicious. So much flavour.

      Reply
    2. Holley

      March 02, 2023 at 12:37 pm

      5 stars
      I love this stuffed eggplant recipe! So full of flavors and so filling!

      Reply
    3. Sara Welch

      March 02, 2023 at 12:34 pm

      5 stars
      This was such a unique and unexpected dish that does not disappoint! Easily, a new favorite recipe!

      Reply
    4. Beth

      March 02, 2023 at 12:21 pm

      5 stars
      This is one of the best eggplant recipes I've ever made. The flavors of the lamb and walnuts is perfect with the eggplant. I really love it.

      Reply
    5. Kushigalu

      March 02, 2023 at 11:34 am

      5 stars
      I love the combination of ingredients in the recipe. SO flavorful. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    6. Soraya Diesel

      April 16, 2022 at 2:03 pm

      5 stars
      Hi Shadi, thank you so much for this recipe. It was delish! What would you serve with these? I made yogurt and mint and saj bread. Is there another way you would serve this at home. I love this take on Imam Bayildi♥️

      Reply
      • Shadi HasanzadeNemati

        April 18, 2022 at 7:52 am

        Hi Soraya! You can serve this dish with different types of rice, bread or salads. Please check out our "serving suggestions" in the post for all the links to the recipes.

        Reply
    7. Sharon

      September 24, 2020 at 3:39 pm

      I find it very annoying that people post comments - and ratings - before they have even made the recipe. Such comments are NOT useful. I urge people to try the recipe, taste the results, and THEN post comments.

      Thank you for your recipes!

      Sharon

      Reply
      • Shadi HasanzadeNemati

        February 04, 2021 at 3:28 am

        Hi Sharon, thank you. Looking forward to seeing you trying these recipes and let us know what you think 🙂

        Reply
    8. Jennifer

      June 27, 2020 at 4:29 am

      I have a sever walnut allergy but other nuts are okay
      What would you recommend as a substitute to walnuts

      Reply
      • Shadi HasanzadeNemati

        June 27, 2020 at 6:09 am

        Hi Jennifer, You can try pecans (if they're okay) or really any other nuts such as almonds or cashews. Hope you enjoy this recipe!

        Reply
    9. Danielle

      March 15, 2018 at 5:22 am

      5 stars
      I am loving this recipe. It's so unique and the flavors sound delicious. I'me going to have to hunt down this pomegranate molasses! We have all sorts of different markets here so I'm sure I can find it.

      Reply
      • Shadi HasanzadeNemati

        March 15, 2018 at 5:55 am

        Thank you Danielle! Pomegranate molasses is so good and you can use it in different recipes. You can find it in ethnic shops and Amazon!

        Reply
    10. Debbye

      March 11, 2018 at 8:24 pm

      5 stars
      These look so good, I want to reach in and grab one off the screen. And pomegranate molasses? I'm wondering if you have a recipe just for that as I could use both recipes.

      Reply
      • Shadi HasanzadeNemati

        March 11, 2018 at 8:30 pm

        Hi Debbye! So happy you like this recipe! Well first thing, you can actually get pomegranate molasses from Amazon or any Middle Eastern / Persian shops. If you would like to make it at home, Pomegranate molasses is basically reduced pomegranate juice. If you would like to make it at home, pour 16 oz pomegranate juice into a pot and bring it boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 45 minutes to an hour until reduced and thickened. After making the recipe, you can refrigerate the leftovers. Hope this helps 🙂

        Reply
    11. Allison - Celebrating Sweets

      March 11, 2018 at 5:43 pm

      5 stars
      I love the texture that the walnuts ad to this! I can't wait to try it!

      Reply
      • Shadi HasanzadeNemati

        March 11, 2018 at 8:18 pm

        Hope you enjoy it!

        Reply
    12. Celeste | The Whole Serving

      March 11, 2018 at 3:07 pm

      Love eggplant and this is an interesting and delicious looking way to prepare and serve this awesome vegetable.

      Reply
      • Shadi HasanzadeNemati

        March 11, 2018 at 8:22 pm

        Thanks! It's a delicious one!

        Reply
    13. Deanna

      March 11, 2018 at 1:14 pm

      5 stars
      Eggplant is simply yummy!!! I love stuffed eggplant. I can not wait to try this filling!!

      Reply
      • Shadi HasanzadeNemati

        March 11, 2018 at 8:20 pm

        Hope you love it Deanna!

        Reply
    14. Jessica Robinson

      March 11, 2018 at 11:54 am

      5 stars
      This dish is beyond delicious! Such unique flavors and a great way for a hearty yet amazingly healthy dinner!

      Reply
      • Shadi HasanzadeNemati

        March 11, 2018 at 8:19 pm

        Thanks Jessica! It's a family favorite!

        Reply

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