Eggplant Meatloaf

Eggplant meatloaf is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as a main or as a unique dish for a light and tasty meal. Here is the recipe to prepare it:

Ingredients

  • 2 medium-sized eggplants
  • 2 eggs
  • 100 g of grated cheese (parmesan or pecorino)
  • 150 g of stale bread
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • A bunch of fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Breadcrumbs as needed
  • Extra virgin olive oil

Preparation

  1. Start by washing the eggplants and cutting them into cubes. Place them in a pan with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a clove of garlic. Cook them until they become tender and lightly golden. If necessary, add a little water to prevent sticking.

  2. In the meantime, soak the stale bread in water for a few minutes, then squeeze it well to eliminate excess water.

  3. Finely chop the fresh parsley and the second garlic clove.

  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked eggplants, squeezed bread, eggs, grated cheese, parsley, chopped garlic, salt and pepper. Mix all the ingredients well until you get a homogeneous mixture.

  5. Take the mixture and shape it into a meatloaf. Roll it in the breadcrumbs, which will help form a crispy outer crust.

  6. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the eggplant meatloaf on it. Drizzle with a fillet of extra virgin olive oil.

  7. Bake in an already hot oven at 180 °C for about 40-50 minutes or until it becomes golden on the surface.

  8. Let it cool slightly before slicing the meatloaf and serving.

Curiosity

The eggplant meatloaf can be personalized by adding other ingredients to taste, such as olives, capers, or even pieces of mozzarella for a melting heart. It is a recipe that marries very well the flavors of Mediterranean cuisine and is excellent if accompanied by a fresh seasonal salad or a lightly spiced tomato sauce.