Liberian-style Stuffed Eggplant Rolls

Ingredients

In this Liberian adaptation of Badrijani, we incorporate the bold flavors of Liberian cuisine. The original Georgian dish typically features a walnut and garlic paste filling, while our Liberian-style version includes a savory ground beef filling seasoned with traditional Liberian spices. This adaptation adds a heartier and more robust flavor profile to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Badrijani, so you can check it out.

• 2 large eggplants 2 large eggplants
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 24g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 4g
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Slice the eggplants lengthwise into thin strips.
3. 3.
   Sprinkle salt on the eggplant slices and let them sit for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
4. 4.
   In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
5. 5.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until translucent.
6. 6.
   Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned.
7. 7.
   Stir in the paprika, ground ginger, ground coriander, ground black pepper, and salt. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
8. 8.
   Remove the skillet from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
9. 9.
   Pat dry the eggplant slices with a paper towel to remove the excess salt and moisture.
10. 10.
    Place a spoonful of the ground beef filling onto each eggplant slice and roll it up tightly.
11. 11.
    Place the stuffed eggplant rolls in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the eggplant is tender and cooked through.
12. 12.
    Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Eggplant — Salting the eggplant slices helps remove excess moisture and improves their texture when cooked.
• Ground beef — Make sure to cook the ground beef thoroughly to ensure food safety and optimal flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef filling.
• Serve the Stuffed Eggplant Rolls with a side of spicy tomato sauce for an extra kick.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or mashed chickpeas.

Serving advice

Serve the Liberian-style Stuffed Eggplant Rolls as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad and steamed rice.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Stuffed Eggplant Rolls on a platter, garnish with fresh cilantro, and drizzle with a touch of olive oil for an elegant presentation.