Description
Spicy Beef Eggplant Rolls are savory rolls made with tender eggplant wrapped around a spiced beef filling. These rolls are packed with flavor from cumin, paprika, cinnamon, and red pepper flakes, offering a rich, smoky taste perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced lengthwise into thin strips
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Slice the eggplant lengthwise into thin strips. Lay them on the baking sheet and brush both sides with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until tender and slightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
- While the eggplant slices are roasting, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir in the soy sauce, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Once the eggplant strips are cool enough to handle, place a spoonful of the beef mixture at the wide end of each strip. Roll up tightly to form rolls.
- Place the rolls seam side down on the baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy on the edges.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro, and squeeze lemon juice over the rolls. Optionally, add crumbled feta cheese for an extra flavor boost.
Notes
These rolls can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with plant-based protein or lentils.For an extra layer of flavor, you can add cheese to the beef mixture, such as Parmesan or mozzarella.Grilled eggplant can be used for a smoky flavor instead of roasting.Store leftover rolls in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
