Imam Bayildi (Bosnian-Style Stuffed Eggplant)
A flavorful vegetarian dish of tender baked eggplants stuffed with a savory mixture of sautéed onions, tomatoes, and garlic, often seasoned with traditional Balkan spices.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 medium Eggplants(about 6-8 inches long)
- 2 medium Onions(finely chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 400 g Tomatoes(canned diced, or 3-4 fresh ripe tomatoes, chopped)
- 4 tbsp Olive oil(plus extra for drizzling)
- 2 tbsp Parsley(fresh, chopped)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Paprika
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Wash the eggplants and cut them in half lengthwise. Score the flesh of each half in a crosshatch pattern, being careful not to cut through the skin.
💡 Tip: Salting the eggplants and letting them sit for 30 minutes can help draw out bitterness and excess moisture. - 2
Place the eggplant halves cut-side up in a baking dish. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- 3
Bake the eggplants for 30-40 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- 4
While the eggplants are baking, heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 5
Add the minced garlic, paprika, and chopped tomatoes (or canned diced tomatoes) to the skillet. Cook for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- 6
Once the eggplants are tender, carefully scoop out some of the flesh from the center of each half, leaving about a 1/2-inch border. Chop the scooped-out eggplant flesh and add it to the tomato and onion mixture in the skillet. Stir to combine.
💡 Tip: Be gentle when scooping out the eggplant flesh to avoid breaking the skin. - 7
Spoon the filling generously into each eggplant half. Drizzle with a little more olive oil.
- 8
Return the stuffed eggplants to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the eggplants are very tender.
- 9
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Serve hot or at room temperature.
💡 Tip: This dish is delicious served with a side of rice or crusty bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of cumin or a dash of cinnamon to the filling.
- ✓If you prefer a meatier version, ground lamb or beef can be added to the filling.
- ✓Ensure the eggplants are cooked until very tender for the best texture.
🔄 Variations
- Add a sprinkle of feta cheese on top before baking for a salty, creamy finish.
- Incorporate other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers into the filling.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.