Tortang Talong with a Twist

Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants 2 large eggplants
• 200g ground meat (beef, pork, or chicken) 200g ground meat (beef, pork, or chicken)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 small bell pepper, diced 1 small bell pepper, diced
• 4 eggs, beaten 4 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup grated cheese 1/4 cup grated cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking oil for frying Cooking oil for frying

Nutrition

• Calories: 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat: 15g (5g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 8g (3g sugars)
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the grill or stovetop burner to high heat.
2. 2.
   Place the eggplants directly over the flame and char the skin, turning occasionally until the skin is completely blackened and blistered.
3. 3.
   Remove the eggplants from the heat and let them cool slightly.
4. 4.
   Peel off the charred skin and discard.
5. 5.
   Mash the eggplants using a fork or potato masher until smooth.
6. 6.
   In a separate pan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
7. 7.
   Sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent.
8. 8.
   Add the ground meat and cook until browned.
9. 9.
   Add the bell peppers and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
10. 10.
    In a bowl, combine the mashed eggplants, cooked ground meat mixture, beaten eggs, grated cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
11. 11.
    Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil.
12. 12.
    Pour a portion of the eggplant mixture into the pan, spreading it evenly.
13. 13.
    Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
14. 14.
    Repeat with the remaining mixture.
15. 15.
    Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Eggplants — Make sure to char the skin thoroughly to achieve the smoky flavor. If grilling is not an option, you can also broil the eggplants in the oven until the skin is blackened.
• Ground meat — Choose your preferred type of meat, such as beef, pork, or chicken. Make sure to cook the ground meat thoroughly before adding it to the eggplant mixture.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, omit the ground meat and add more vegetables like mushrooms or tofu for added texture and flavor.
• Experiment with different types of cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, or feta to customize the flavor of the omelette.
• Serve Tortang Talong with a side of steamed rice and a dipping sauce made with soy sauce, vinegar, and chili for an authentic Filipino experience.
• Leftover Tortang Talong can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a pan or microwave.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, peas, or corn to the mixture for added color and nutrients.

Serving advice

Serve Tortang Talong hot as a main dish for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It pairs well with steamed rice and a side of fresh salad or pickled vegetables.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Tortang Talong with a Twist with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a pop of color. Serve it on a platter with a drizzle of sauce or a sprinkle of grated cheese on top for an elegant presentation.