Imam Baildi
Greek Stuffed Eggplant
A classic Greek dish of tender eggplants stuffed with a rich mixture of onions, tomatoes, and garlic, then slow-braised in olive oil. The name translates to 'the imam fainted,' supposedly due to its exquisite richness.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 Eggplants(medium, about 200-250g each)
- 3 Onions(large, finely chopped)
- 4 Tomatoes(ripe, finely chopped (or 1 can, 400g, diced tomatoes, drained))
- 6 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 200 ml Olive oil(plus extra for brushing and braising)
- 1/2 cup Parsley(fresh, finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Salt(for drawing out moisture from eggplants)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 1/2 cup Water(for braising)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the eggplants: Wash the eggplants and trim off the stems. Make a lengthwise slit down the center of each eggplant, about two-thirds of the way through, creating a pocket for the filling. Do not cut all the way through. Sprinkle the cut surfaces generously with salt and place them in a colander for at least 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture and bitterness. Rinse the eggplants thoroughly under cold water to remove the salt, then pat them completely dry with paper towels.
⏱️ 30 minutes (plus 30 minutes resting time) - 2
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly brush the eggplants with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they begin to soften and the skin wrinkles slightly. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
⏱️ 25 minutes - 3
Prepare the filling: While the eggplants are baking, heat about 100ml of olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until softened and translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have broken down and the mixture has thickened slightly, about 10-15 minutes. Stir in half of the chopped parsley.
⏱️ 25 minutes - 4
Stuff the eggplants: Gently open the slit in each partially baked eggplant. Spoon the onion and tomato mixture generously into the pocket of each eggplant, pressing it in. Arrange the stuffed eggplants snugly in a baking dish.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 5
Braise the eggplants: Pour the remaining 100ml of olive oil around the eggplants in the baking dish. Add the 1/2 cup of water to the bottom of the dish. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil or a lid. Bake in the preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the eggplants are extremely tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. The flesh should be soft and yielding.
⏱️ 1 hour 15 minutes - 6
Rest and serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley. Imam Baildi is best served at room temperature or slightly warm.
⏱️ 15 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Salting and draining the eggplants is crucial to remove bitterness and prevent them from absorbing too much oil.
- ✓Don't skimp on the olive oil; it's essential for the rich flavor and tender texture of the dish.
- ✓This dish is best enjoyed at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld.
- ✓The name 'Imam Baildi' translates to 'the imam fainted,' a testament to the dish's incredibly rich and delicious flavor.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a layer of ground lamb or beef to the filling for a meatier version.
- Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese before baking for a salty, tangy addition.