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Eggplant Boats aka Cucina Cruise

An easy delightful way to serve eggplant !
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
After the first bake remove and prepare for adding all ingredients 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 eggplant slice in half lengthwise
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 Italian parsley
  • 1 4 to 5 garlic cloves
  • 1 Shallots 2 blubs
  • 1 Italian seasoning
  • 1 5 to 6 tomatoes
  • 1 salt & pepper
  • 1 bulb Burrata cheese
  • 1 parmesan cheese
  • 1 Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1 olive oil
  • 1 butter
  • 1 baking pan
  • 1 parchment paper

Instructions

  • Chop Italian Parsley, Garlic, Shallots, Tomatoes Place in frying pan olive oil, a little garlic and a little butter and sauté
    Then pour the chopped tomatoes and saute with a lid until cooked
    In another frying pan place ground beef and cook halfway then add in the chopped items garlic parsley shallots Italian seasoning and a little salt & pepper and stir until all is cooked.
    The Eggplant:
    Slice eggplant in half the long way
    Then score the eggplant cris crossed & spread on olive oil and salt & pepper
    Next place face down on baking pan covered with parchment paper And bake for 40 to 45 mins in the oven at 400 degrees.
    After it’s baked, turn over and press down on the eggplant meat until it’s shaped like a boat
    Then fill the boat with the seasoned ground beef some remaining juice from the cooked tomatoes
    Next add the tomatoes and the burrata cheese, sprinkling on the breadcrumbs and finally The Italian parsley.
    Place back into oven and bake for another 20 to 25 mins or so at 400 degrees
    Remove and enjoy!
    Please be careful the eggplant retains its heat for a long while.

Video

Notes

Eggplant (also known as aubergine) is a versatile vegetable that’s not only delicious but also offers several nutritional benefits:

???? Nutritional Benefits of Eggplant (1 cup cooked, ~99g):

Nutrient Amount
Calories 35
Carbohydrates 8.6g
Fiber 2.5g
Sugars 3.2g
Protein 0.8g
Fat 0.2g
Vitamin C 2.2mg (4% DV)
Vitamin K 3.5mcg (4% DV)
Folate (B9) 14mcg (4% DV)
Potassium 188mg (5% DV)
  0.2mg (10% DV

???? Key Health Benefits of Eggplant:

1. Rich in Antioxidants
Eggplant skin is loaded with nasunin, a powerful antioxidant (especially in purple varieties) that protects brain cells from damage.
2. Heart Health
Its fiber and antioxidants help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and improve blood flow.
3. Blood Sugar Control
Eggplant contains compounds that may help manage blood glucose levels, thanks to its fiber and low glycemic index.
4. Supports Digestion
The fiber in eggplant helps promote regular bowel movements and overall gut health.
5. Weight-Friendly
Low in calories and high in water content, eggplant adds bulk without the calories, making it great for weight management.
6. Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Polyphenols in eggplant may help reduce inflammation in the body

???? Cooking Tip:

Eggplant acts like a sponge—it soaks up oil easily. To keep it healthy, consider roasting, grilling, or steaming instead of frying.
Let me know if you want to compare raw vs. cooked eggplant, or get ideas for healthy eggplant recipes.
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Meats, Vegetarian
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Delicious, Quick & Easy