How to Make Armenian Stuffed Eggplant (Imam Bayildi) - A Step-by-Step Guide

Armenian cuisine is known for its rich flavors and unique combinations of ingredients, and one dish that perfectly embodies this is the Armenian Stuffed Eggplant, also known as Imam Bayildi. This dish is a traditional Armenian and Turkish recipe that dates back centuries and has been passed down through generations. It is not only a delicious and satisfying meal, but also a symbol of the cultural and culinary heritage of the region.

The key ingredient in this recipe is eggplant, also ...

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Ingredients

  • 2 large eggplants
  • ¼ cup olive oil, divided
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch strips
  • ½ onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce with no salt added
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 pinch chopped fresh parsley, or to taste

Information

  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 45 mins
  • Additional Time: 5 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins
  • Servings: 4

  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
  • Cut eggplants in half, then cut each half into thirds, leaving 12 eggplant spears total. Place on a baking sheet and brush with 2 tablespoons olive oil.
  • Roast in the preheated oven until fork tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • While eggplants are cooking, heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat in a medium to large pan. Add bell pepper, onion, and garlic to the hot pan and cook until onions become tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated, 2 to 3 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  • Remove eggplants from the oven and let cool slightly, 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer eggplants to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Slice each spear vertically using a fork and knife, being careful not to cut through skin. Pry each open and fill with 2 to 3 tablespoons of tomato filling. Cover with tomato sauce.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until bubbling, about 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley.
  • Nutrition

    249 cal.

    • Total Fat: 14g
    • Saturated Fat: 2g
    • Sodium: 332mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 30g
    • Dietary Fiber: 15g
    • Total Sugars: 11g
    • Protein: 6g
    • Vitamin C: 55mg
    • Calcium: 47mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 1024mg