This Moroccan Baked Eggplant with Spiced Beef is a delightful blend of tender roasted eggplant topped with juicy, aromatic beef infused with chermoula spices. The spices used bring warmth and a complex flavor that pairs perfectly with the smooth and creamy eggplant flesh. Each bite is accentuated by the freshness of coriander and a hint of tang from yogurt, providing a balanced and satisfying dish.
A versatile dish, it can be served as a main course or a substantial side. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, yet the complex flavors evoke the rich culinary traditions of North African cuisine. Whether you’re a fan of lamb or beef, this is a must-try recipe that will surely become a favorite in your rotation.
Full Recipe:
For the Eggplant:
- 2 medium eggplants (approx. 250g/8oz each)
- 3/4 tsp cooking salt or kosher salt
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Chermoula Spice Mix:
- 1 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 3/4 tsp allspice powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
For the Spiced Beef Topping:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 250g / 8oz lean ground beef (or lamb)
- 1/2 tsp cooking/kosher salt
- 2 tsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup water
To Serve:
- Plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp coriander/cilantro leaves, roughly chopped (substitute parsley if desired)
- 2 tbsp pine nuts, toasted
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C fan).
- Prepare the Eggplant: Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise. Score the flesh in a diamond pattern without cutting through the skin. Sprinkle salt on the surface and rub it in. Place the eggplant halves face down in a colander for 30 minutes to sweat and remove excess moisture. Gently squeeze to remove water, and pat dry.
- Chermoula Spice Mix: Combine all spice mix ingredients in a bowl. Set aside 3 teaspoons of the mix for the meat filling. Add olive oil and lemon juice to the remaining spice mix to form a paste.
- Roast the Eggplant: Place the eggplant halves on a baking tray and slather the Chermoula paste on the cut side. Roast for 45 minutes or until softened.
- Prepare the Spiced Beef: Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté for 1 minute. Increase heat to high, add ground beef, and cook until browned. Stir in the reserved Chermoula spices and salt; cook for an additional minute. Mix in the tomato paste and water, and cook until the meat mixture is juicy but not watery.
- Assemble: Top the roasted eggplant halves with the spiced beef. Garnish with dollops of yogurt, coriander, and toasted pine nuts.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 60 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 2 as a main or 4 as a side
Flavor Profile & Ingredient Highlights
This recipe is a wonderful showcase of Moroccan cuisine, characterized by its warm, aromatic spices and rich flavors. The Chermoula spice mix is the heart of this dish, blending ground coriander, paprika, cumin, allspice, garlic powder, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, and a touch of cayenne. This mix infuses both the eggplant and the meat filling with bold, earthy, and subtly sweet flavors, making it an unforgettable dish that bursts with Middle Eastern notes.
The roasted eggplant serves as the perfect canvas for the spiced filling. Roasting it brings out its natural creaminess and subtly sweet flavor, which balances perfectly with the tanginess of the yogurt topping and the crunchiness of toasted pine nuts. The recipe allows flexibility with the type of meat used – either ground beef or lamb, with lamb being a traditional pairing in Moroccan and Arabic dishes due to its depth of flavor and tenderness.
Cooking Techniques & Tips
- Sweating the Eggplant: The process of “sweating” the eggplant helps to remove excess moisture, which prevents the dish from becoming watery and concentrates the flavors. This step also lightly seasons the eggplant and improves the overall texture after roasting. For those short on time, you can skip the sweating step by cutting slits into the eggplant skin to allow the water to escape while roasting.
- Chermoula Spice Mix: The homemade spice mix is versatile and can be adjusted based on your pantry. Missing a few spices? No worries! The blend is forgiving, and you can substitute spices with what you have available. For example:
- Allspice can be substituted with mixed spice.
- Fresh garlic can replace garlic powder.
- Saffron can stand in for turmeric.
- Toasting Pine Nuts: A quick toasting of pine nuts enhances their flavor and provides a lovely nutty crunch to the dish. Toast them in a small skillet over medium heat until golden and aromatic.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:
- Main Course: Serve the eggplant halves as a satisfying main with a side salad or fresh bread, like pita or naan, to soak up the juices.
- With Sides: Pair it with couscous, rice, or quinoa to make it a more substantial meal. For added Moroccan flair, serve it alongside a roasted vegetable salad, like a pumpkin and lentil salad, or a chickpea salad with honey and cinnamon.
- Starter or Side Dish: It also works beautifully as an appetizer or side dish, especially for gatherings and family meals.
Dietary & Nutritional Information
This Moroccan Baked Eggplant recipe is:
- Low in Carbohydrates & Calories: With just 22g of carbs per serving and around 450 kcal, this recipe is a great option for those following a low-carb or calorie-conscious diet.
- Rich in Protein: The use of ground beef or lamb provides ample protein (32g per serving), making it a balanced meal that provides satiety and essential nutrients.
- Vegetable-Focused: The eggplant, which is often underutilized, is the star of this recipe. It’s a great way to incorporate more veggies into your diet in a flavorful, creative way.
Storage & Reheating Tips
This dish can easily be made ahead and stored for later:
- Make Ahead: You can roast the eggplant and prepare the meat filling ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat both components and assemble before serving.
- Leftovers: If you have leftovers, they will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. While cooked eggplant might not freeze well due to its water content, the spiced meat filling can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Recipe Variations & Customization
- Meat Options: While the recipe calls for beef or lamb, you can also use ground chicken, turkey, or even pork, adapting the spices as you like.
- Vegetarian Version: Make this recipe vegetarian by swapping out the meat for chickpeas or lentils. Simply cook the legumes with the Chermoula spice mix to infuse flavor, and follow the same assembly steps.
- Vegan Adaptation: To make this dish vegan, use plant-based yogurt as a topping, and opt for a meatless filling like lentils or crumbled tofu mixed with the spices.
The Beauty of Moroccan Cuisine
This recipe is a testament to how Moroccan cuisine effortlessly blends spices to create deep and rich flavors. The balance of earthy, warm spices with fresh herbs and citrus is a hallmark of Moroccan dishes, providing a delightful contrast in taste and texture. The simplicity of the cooking method, combined with the vibrant and flavorful results, makes this Moroccan Baked Eggplant with Spiced Beef an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore North African flavors in a simple yet impressive way.
A Cultural Dive into Moroccan Cuisine
Moroccan cuisine is a melting pot of influences from Berber, Arab, Mediterranean, and Andalusian cultures. This diversity is evident in its use of warm spices, fresh herbs, and fragrant seasonings. Dishes like this Moroccan Baked Eggplant with Spiced Beef draw inspiration from traditional Moroccan stuffed vegetables, which are often filled with a combination of spiced meats, rice, and nuts.
Chermoula is a key component of the flavor profile. While it’s used here as a dry spice mix, traditionally, it is made into a marinade or sauce often used for seafood, meats, and vegetables. The earthy and aromatic blend of coriander, cumin, paprika, ginger, and cinnamon captures the essence of North African cuisine, giving dishes a complex and savory-sweet flavor.
Eggplant – A Versatile Star
Eggplant (or aubergine) is widely used in Moroccan and Mediterranean cooking due to its ability to absorb flavors and adapt to various textures. In this recipe, the eggplant is roasted to soften its flesh and enhance its natural sweetness. The scoring in a diamond pattern allows the spices to seep deep into the flesh, ensuring that every bite is flavorful.
Tips for Eggplant Perfection:
- Choose firm, smooth-skinned eggplants without blemishes for the best texture.
- To avoid any bitterness (though most modern eggplants are not bitter), “sweat” them by salting and allowing them to release their moisture before roasting.
Serving & Presentation Tips
To make the dish visually appealing and even more delicious, consider these presentation tips:
- Serve it Family-Style: Place the roasted eggplants on a large platter, with the spiced meat topping, dollops of yogurt, and garnishes arranged beautifully on top. This style of serving adds a warm, communal feel to the meal, which is reminiscent of traditional Moroccan dining.
- Vibrant Garnishes: Adding garnishes can take this dish to the next level in terms of both flavor and appearance.
- Freshly chopped parsley or coriander adds a burst of color and freshness.
- A sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds alongside pine nuts can add a subtle crunch and nuttiness.
- Pomegranate seeds provide a pop of vibrant red color and a burst of sweetness that contrasts the spiced meat.
- For an extra touch of creaminess, drizzle tahini sauce or a lemony yogurt sauce over the top before serving.
- Accompaniments: While the dish is complete on its own, you can serve it with some classic Moroccan sides:
- Couscous or Bulgur Wheat: Lightly seasoned with olive oil, lemon, and herbs, couscous is a great accompaniment that soaks up the flavors of the spiced meat and roasted eggplant.
- Harissa Sauce: For those who enjoy spice, serve with a side of harissa, a North African chili paste that adds heat and depth.
- Flatbreads: Serve alongside warm pita bread, naan, or Moroccan msemen (a traditional flatbread) to help scoop up the eggplant and meat mixture.
Wine Pairing Suggestions
Moroccan cuisine pairs well with a variety of wines due to its layered flavors. Here are some wine suggestions that will complement the spices and richness of the dish:
- Reds: A medium-bodied red wine, such as a Grenache or a Syrah, will enhance the spices in the dish without overpowering the flavors.
- Rosé: A dry rosé is a great choice if you want something lighter that can match the dish’s freshness and spice.
- Whites: If you prefer white wine, a Viognier or an unoaked Chardonnay will balance the earthiness of the spices and the creaminess of the yogurt.
Nutritional Benefits & Dietary Adaptability
This dish is not only packed with flavor but also offers balanced nutrition. The eggplant provides fiber and antioxidants, while the beef or lamb adds high-quality protein, iron, and B vitamins. The spices not only enhance the flavor but also offer anti-inflammatory benefits, making this dish not just delicious but also nourishing.
For those looking to adapt the dish to specific dietary needs:
- Paleo or Keto-Friendly: The recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates and fits well into Paleo or Keto diets. Ensure to use a high-quality, grass-fed beef or lamb for optimal nutrition.
- Gluten-Free: The dish is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free yogurt and ensure all spices and condiments are free from additives containing gluten.
- Dairy-Free: If you wish to make this dairy-free, you can skip the yogurt or use a plant-based alternative like coconut yogurt. Additionally, a tahini sauce made from sesame paste, lemon juice, and garlic can be a great dairy-free substitute for the yogurt.
History & Tradition
Moroccan stuffed vegetables (often called “Dolma” in Middle Eastern cuisine) are a traditional dish that traces its roots back to Arabic and Berber culinary traditions. These dishes are typically associated with family gatherings and special occasions, where vegetables like eggplants, zucchinis, and tomatoes are stuffed with rice, nuts, meats, and herbs.
This particular recipe is a simplified version of those traditional dishes. By roasting the eggplant halves and topping them with spiced meat, the recipe captures the essence of Moroccan flavors but with a modern twist that’s easy to make even on a weeknight.
Enhancing the Yogurt Topping
To make the yogurt topping even more flavorful:
- Mix garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil into the yogurt, then let it sit for 15-30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. This adds a tangy, creamy finish that pairs beautifully with the spiced beef and roasted eggplant.
- Alternatively, a mint-infused yogurt (by adding finely chopped fresh mint) provides a cooling contrast to the warmth of the spices.
Interesting Facts & Serving Ideas
- Meal Prep Friendly: The dish can be prepped ahead of time, making it a great option for meal planning. Simply roast the eggplants and prepare the meat filling in advance, then reheat and assemble when ready to serve.
- Versatility in Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings – add dried fruits like golden raisins or chopped dates for a touch of sweetness, or even sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
- Perfect for All Occasions: Whether served as a comforting weeknight meal, an impressive dinner party dish, or part of a mezze spread with other Moroccan appetizers like hummus, baba ghanoush, and marinated olives, this recipe fits any occasion.
Conclusion
The Moroccan Baked Eggplant with Spiced Beef is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that beautifully combines the earthy sweetness of roasted eggplant with a warm, aromatic beef filling seasoned with chermoula spices. It’s a versatile recipe that can be served as a main course, side, or appetizer, and is easily adaptable to various dietary needs. With its rich Moroccan flavors, vibrant garnishes, and healthy ingredients, this dish is sure to impress, whether for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. Enjoy a taste of Morocco right from your kitchen!