Elevate your cooking with our 4 ingredient eggplant boats - a simple yet scrumptious Italian dish. Discover customization options and healthier alternatives.
Thoroughly wash and simmer the small eggplants in salted water for 5 minutes.
40 oz Eggplant
Cut them in half and carefully scoop out the flesh.
Peel the medium-sized eggplants, dice them finely, and also chop the scooped-out flesh from the small eggplants. Add ½ teaspoon of salt and mix.
30 oz Eggplant
Squeeze out the excess liquid from the eggplants.
Sauté the well-drained eggplant flesh until it softens.
Add breadcrumbs, tomato sauce, and Parmesan to the sautéed eggplant, then mix thoroughly to create the filling.
⅓ cup Bread Crumbs, ½ cup Parmesan, ⅓ cup Tomato Sauce
Fill the remaining eggplant shells with the prepared filling.
Place tomato sauce in the baking dish and arrange the stuffed eggplants over the sauce.
1 cup Tomato Sauce
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 40 minutes.
You can serve it immediately after taking it out of the oven or once it cools; it's equally delicious either way.
Quick Note
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Notes
Choosing Eggplants: Look for eggplants with firm, shiny skin and vibrant color. Avoid those with soft spots or blemishes. Different types of eggplants work, so choose your favorite variety.
Salting the Eggplants: Salting the diced eggplants helps remove excess moisture, preventing sogginess. Rinse them dry after the 30-minute salt treatment.
Customize the Filling: Feel free to get creative with the filling. Add your favorite herbs, spices, or ingredients like olives, capers, or sun-dried tomatoes for a unique twist.
Storage and Reheating: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Freezing Option: While you can freeze these eggplant boats, note that the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Wrap them tightly and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Gluten-Free Variation: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. They work well and maintain the crispy texture.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Get your little ones involved in making these boats. It's a great way to introduce them to cooking, and they'll love helping with the filling.