Recipe
Armenian Stuffed Eggplant (Arganak)
Savory Delight: Armenian Stuffed Eggplant with a Flavorful Twist
4.3 out of 5
Indulge in the rich flavors of Armenian cuisine with this traditional recipe for Arganak. This dish features tender eggplants stuffed with a delicious mixture of ground meat, aromatic spices, and herbs, creating a mouthwatering combination that will transport you to the heart of Armenia.
Metadata
Preparation time
30 minutes
Cooking time
40 minutes
Total time
70 minutes
Yields
4 servings
Preparation difficulty
Medium
Suitable for
Mediterranean diet, Low-carb diet, High-protein diet, Gluten-free diet, Dairy-free diet
Allergens
N/A
Not suitable for
Vegan diet, Vegetarian diet, Paleo diet, Keto diet, Nut-free diet
Ingredients
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4 medium-sized eggplants 4 medium-sized eggplants
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500g (1.1 lb) ground beef or lamb 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef or lamb
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1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
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1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
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Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
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2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
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Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish
Nutrition
- Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
- Fat (total, saturated): 24g, 8g
- Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Salt: 1.5g
Preparation
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1.Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
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2.Cut off the tops of the eggplants and carefully hollow them out, leaving a sturdy shell. Chop the removed eggplant flesh and set aside.
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3.In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
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4.Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
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5.Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
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6.Add the chopped eggplant flesh to the skillet and cook until softened.
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7.Stuff the hollowed eggplants with the meat mixture and place them in a baking dish.
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8.Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
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9.Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the eggplants are tender and lightly browned.
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10.Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Eggplants — Choose eggplants that are firm and glossy. Look for ones with smooth skin and no blemishes. Salting the eggplants before cooking can help reduce any potential bitterness.
- Ground meat — Opt for lean ground beef or lamb for a healthier option. Make sure to cook the meat thoroughly to ensure food safety.
- Spices — Use high-quality spices to enhance the flavors of the dish. Toasting the spices before adding them to the skillet can intensify their aroma.
Tips & Tricks
- For a vegetarian version, replace the ground meat with cooked lentils or mushrooms.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice over the stuffed eggplants before serving to brighten the flavors.
- Serve Arganak with a dollop of plain yogurt or a drizzle of tahini sauce for added creaminess.
- Experiment with different herbs such as mint or dill to customize the flavor profile.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop and intensify.
Serving advice
Serve the Armenian Stuffed Eggplant as a main course, accompanied by a side of fluffy rice or warm bread. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Presentation advice
Arrange the stuffed eggplants on a platter, placing them side by side. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top and sprinkle with additional chopped parsley for an appealing presentation. Serve with a lemon wedge on the side for an extra touch.
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