Zaalouk

Along with the Moroccan Lamb we cooked for our family Mother's Day feast we decided to make side dishes to suit.  I have actually been wanting eggplant (aubergine) for a while now so it was a perfect time to cook it.

I came across this recipe and just fell in love with the sound of it and could actually taste the flavours while I was reading.... a perfect mix of spices paired with the nuttiness of the eggplant and the sweetness of the tomatoes.

 

Not only was this dish devoured I have to say I was surprised with how quickly it was made and ready for eating.  The actual techniques were quite basic and easy to execute - I think it took me longer to work out how to pronounce it's name.

Zaalouk

(recipe adapted from taste.com.au)

Serves: 4
WW SmartPoints Per Serve: 3

1 large (700g) eggplant, cut into 1.5cm-thick slices

cooking spray
1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon sweet paprika

1/4 teaspoon harissa

2 tomatoes, peeled, seeded, finely chopped

juice of 1/2 lemon
salt
freshly ground black pepper 

Preheat grill to medium. Spray eggplant with cooking spray and grill for 16 minutes, turning halfway, until soft and golden. Cool slightly, then chop roughly.

Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.  Stir garlic, spices and harissa in frying pan 2 minutes or until fragrant.

Add eggplant and tomatoes, and cook for 10 minutes or until thick and well combined. Stir in lemon juice. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

(click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Ratatouille with Eggs

Eggplant - aubergine - eggplant - aubergine.....

 

What ever you call this sexy purple little number it's definitely a winner.  Eggplant, I have since found out is actually a fruit.  It's a species of nightshade grown specifically for it's edible fruit which is widely used in cooking, most famously as one of the key ingredients in Moussaka and Ratatouille. Eggplant is low in fat, protein, and carbohydrates but sadly it contains relatively low amounts of most important vitamins and minerals.

 

The raw fruit can have a somewhat bitter taste, but becomes tender when cooked and develops a rich, complex flavor. Eggplant, due to its texture and bulk, can be used as a meat substitute suitable for vegan/vegetarian recipes. The fruit flesh is smooth, as in the related tomato (hahaha another fruit) and the skin is edible.  From chutneys, curries, baked dishes or even meat filled eggplants are such a versatile ingredient used in the cuisine of many countries.

But for a vitamin packed brunch (breakfast) we had this veggie and "fruit" medley - definitely the perfect start to Sunday morning.  Eggplant, mushrooms, zucchini, onions and herbs enveloped in tomato sauce served with eggs and turkish bread.... mmmmmmmmm!!!

Minus the eggs (and toast) this Ratatouille is the perfect side dish for barbecue meats etc..... just saying!!

Ratatouille with Eggs

(Recipe adapted from WW Double Up Dinners Cookbook)

 

Serves: 6

ProPoints per serve: 6

 

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 brown onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, crushed

2 fresh or dried bay leaf

6 fresh thyme sprigs, with extra to serve

2 medium eggplant, cut into 3cm cubes

500grams zucchinis, sliced in half lengthways and thickly sliced

2 red capsicums, cut into 3cm cubes

200 grams button mushroom, sliced

2 x 400grams can diced tomatoes

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 - 2 teaspoons dried chilli flakes

12 eggs

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-hight heat.

 

Cook onion, garlie, bay leaves and thyme sprigs, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.

 

Add eggplant, zucchini, capsicums, mushrooms, tomatoes, oregano and chilli flakes.  Bring to the boil.  Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 1 hour or until vegetables are tender and mixture thickens.  Discard bay leaves and thyme stalks.

 

Heat a non stick frying pan over high heat.  Fry eggs to your liking.  Top ratatoille with eggs and extra thyme. 

 

Serve with toasted bread of your choice, if desired.

(Click here for a printable version of this recipe)

 

Spicy Pork, Black Bean, Eggplant and Mushroom Hot Pot

We are sneaking in a few meals this week using different ingredients as our daughter is away on holidays in Japan.  Yes we are cooking with foods she's not a fan off.... LOL!!  Generally I will boast that both my kids have very cultured palates but we are still working on a few ingredients that sometimes don't get to be cooked due to dislikes.  Eggplants and mushrooms are two avoided vegetables with her.  Apparently it's a texture thing.

Needless to say I thought this dish was wonderful.  Full of flavour and easy to make.  I was actually surprised that it was prepared in a flash and cooked in the oven.

I am not a fan of premade black bean sauce so I did use salted black beans (which I purchased at an Asian food store) making the black bean flavour a little more subtle and not as harsh in my opinion. 

Teamed with steamed Choy Sum and plain noodles I nearly thought I was in Asian for a moment.

Spicy Pork, Black Bean, Eggplant and Mushroom Hot Pot

(recipe adapted from WW Program Cookbook 2015)

Serves: 4

ProPoints per serve: 11

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium eggplant, cut into 2cm pieces

1 red onion, finely chopped

200 grams button mushrooms, sliced

2 garlic cloves, crushed

2 teaspoons finely grated fresh ginger

1 teaspoon dried chilli flakes

500 grams lean pork mince

4 tablespoons drained salted black beans (or 2 tablespoons black bean garlic sauce)

1 cup water

440 gram packet egg noodles

2 bunches choy sum, chopped

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius or 160 degrees Celsius fan forced.

Heat half the oil in a large flameproof casserole dish over high heat.  Cook eggplant, stirring, in batches, for 2 - 3 minutes or until browned.  Transfer to a plate.

Reduce heat to medium.  Add remaining oil to the dish.  Cook onion and mushroom, stirring for 5 minutes or until softened.  Add garlic, ginger and chilli.  Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.  Add mince and cook, stirring to break up lumps, for 5 minutes or until browned.

Return eggplant to pan with black beans and water.  Bring back to the boil.  Bake, covered, for 30 minutes or until pork mixture is thick and eggplant is very tender.

Cook noodles as per the packet instructions.  Drain and keep warm.

Meanwhile boil, steam or microwave choy sum until tender.  Drain.

Serve hot pot with choy sum and noodles.

(click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Baked Vegetable Fettuccine

I have been hankering a vegetarian meal for a while just to take a step back from meat which we seem to have every night of late with the exception of the occasional fish dish.  I remembered a pasta dish I used to cook and new that would be exactly the taste and comfort that I wanted.

Not too heavy but definitely hearty and very basic to make.  The flavour intensed by the garlic and the nuttiness of the eggplant is complimented with the creamy layers of two cheeses, ricotta and mozerella.

This meal is not only very easy to make but it's very enjoyable and is also great the next day as the flavours do develop even more.

Baked Vegetable Fettuccine

(recipe adapted from WW Pure Points Cookbook)

 

Serves: 8

ProPoints per serve: 10

 

cooking spray

2 medium eggplants, sliced thinly

2 onions, chopped

1 tablespoon minced garlic

3 x 400 grams can diced tomatoes

freshly ground black pepper

500 grams fettuccine

500 grams extra light ricotta cheese

300 grams reduced fat mozzarella cheese, grated

Preheat oven to 220 degrees Celsius.

Coat a frying pan with cooking spray and heat.  Add the eggplant slices in batches and good for 3 - 4 minutes on each side until golden brown.  Set aside.

Respray the same pan with cooking spray, heat and add onion and garlic.  Cook, stirring, until the onion is softened.  Stir in tomatoes and black pepper, reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook the fettuccine in a pan of boiling water as per packet instruction or until tender.  Drain well.  Stir the tomatoe mixture into the fettuccine.

Spread 1/2 the pasta mixture over the base of the prepared dish. Top with 1/2 the eggplant, 1/2 the ricotta and 1/2 the mozzarella cheese.  Repeat layers finishing with a layer of mozzarella cheese.  Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is hot and bubbling.



(click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Turkish Minced Lamb Casserole

Last night I wanted to cook something with Oliver's favourite vegetable - eggplant (aubergine). He loves it and I must admit I enjoy it's somewhat nutty flavour and texture also. With Alexandria still away at camp it was the perfect opportunity as it is definitely not one of her favourite vegetables.

This dish was a little time consuming in preparation but saying that it was definitely worth the effort. The combination of the lamb, cinnamon, allspice and sultanas was savoury and sweet - very inticing and this with the layers of vegetables gave the dish a Middle Eastern flavour.

Turkish Minced Lamb Casserole

(recipe adapted from Weight Watchers Australia)

Serves: 6

ProPoints per serve: 9

50 grams pine nuts 500 grams lamb mince

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon allspice

50 grams sultanas

300mls beef stock (made with stock powder)

cooking spray

2 small eggplants, thinly sliced

4 small zucchini, ends trimmed and thinly sliced

1 tablespoon cornflour combined with 2 tablespoons water

200 grams low fat plain yoghurt

250 grams low fat ricotta cheese

2 eggs, lightly beaten

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celcius.

Heat a large non stick frying pan over medium heat. Add pinenuts and cook for 1 minute, shaking the pan until browned. Remove from heat and cool.

Dry fry mince in frying pan for 4 - 5 minutes, or until browned, breaking up the lumps. Add onion and garlic and cook for 2 - 3 minutes. Add sultanas, cinnamon, allspice and stock. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile spray another non stick pan with oil and cook eggplant and zucchini seperately for 4 - 5 minutes, or until softened. Add blended cornflour to mince mixture and cook, stirring until thickened. Remove from heat and stir through the pinenuts.

Spoon half the mince mixture into a deep oven proof dish. Layer eggplant on top. Spoon over remaining mince mixture. Arrange zucchini and tomoatoes on top in an overlapping layer.

Place yoghurt, ricotta and egg in a food processor and season to taste with salt and pepper. Pour over zucchini and tomatoes, spreading evenly to cover. Bake for 40 - 45 minutes or until set and golden.

(Click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Chargrilled Vegetable Stack

I thought we would try something a little different especially with the kids being at their Nana and Grandad's this week. This recipe caught my eye in the current Woolworths Good Taste Magazine. While both Noel and I adore meat, I decided it would be nice to have a vegetarian meal other than a meat free pasta - you know be a little adventurous and a tad exotic?

The reason this caught my eye is because it has two of my favourite vegetables - eggplant and sweet potato!! And it also gave me a good excuse to use my chargrill cast iron plate!! Not to mention the recipe called for spinach.... mmmmmmm!

To be totally honest I must say I was a little worried that it wouldn't be enjoyed but I couldn't have been any more wrong. It was delicious and very fillilng - one stack was definitely enough each and it will be on the menu again for sure.... I even thought of making smaller stacks to serve as an entree! See that's how much I liked it I am in the process of planning how and when to cook it next!!

Chargrilled Vegetable Stacks
(recipe source Woolworths Good Taste September 2009)

Serves: 4
Points per serve: 2.5

olive oil spray
1 brown onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 x 400 gram can no added salt diced tomatoes
1 small eggplant (about 300 grams)
300g sweet potato (kumara), peeled
1 large zucchini, ends trimmed
250g low fat cottage cheese
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon rind
75 grams baby spinach leaves
fresh basil leaves, to serve
mixed salad leaves, to serve

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celcius.

Cut eggplant lengthways into 4 x 1cm thick slices. Cut sweet potato lengthways into 4 x 5mm thick slices. Cut zucchini diagonally into 8 x 5mm thick slices.

Heat a medium frying pan over medium heat. Spray with olive oil spray and add the onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until soft. Add the garlic and cook, stirring , for 1 minute or until aromatic. Add the tomatoes. Bring to the boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes or until mixture thickens.

Meanwhile, preheat a chargrill or bbq on high. Spray the eggplant, sweet potato and zucchini with olive oil spray. Cook the eggplant and sweet potaot on grill in 2 batches for 1 - 2 minutes or until almost tender and lightly charred. Transfer to a plate. Cook the zucchini on grill for 1 - 2 minutes or until almost tender and lightly charred. Transfer to the plate.

Combine the cottage cheese, chopped basil and lemon rind in a bowl. Spread 1/2 cup (125ml) of the tomato mixture over the base of a rectangular 3 litre (12 cup) capacity baking dish. Arrange the eggplant in a single layer on top. Divide half the cottage cheese mixture between the eggplant slices and top with half of the spinach. Next layer the sweet potato on top of the spinach. Spread with the remaining cottage chese and reamining spinach. Top with zucchini.

Top with the remaining tomato mixture and season with pepper. Bake for 15 - 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

Divide the vegetable stacks among serving plates and spoon over the tomato mixture from the pan. Sprinkle with the extra basil leaves and serve with mixed salad leaves.

(click here for a printable version of this recipe)

Moussaka

Mousakka is another one of those dishes where a few countries claim it as there own. The origin of this dish is from the Middle East however it is better known in it's Greek form. All versions are based primarily on sautéed eggplant and usually with minced meat. The Greek version includes layers of meat and eggplant topped with a white sauce and baked. The Turkish Musakka is not layered. Instead, it is prepared with sautéed eggplants, green capsicum, tomatoes, onions and minced meat. The Arabian version of moussaka is a cooked salad dish, made up of tomatoes and eggplant, similar to the Italian Caponata, and is usually served cold as a mezze or antipasta dish. In the rest of the Balkans, the top layer is often a custard. Grated cheese and/or bread crumbs can be sprinkled on top depending on the recipe you are following.

Everytime we have this dish the flavour never fails to amaze me. The flavour of cinnamon, the lemon and the currants plus the meat all combined ... it is so unique and every mouthful is exciting. And my favourite thing about making Moussaka is I get to use eggplant. Eggplant is a vegetable that I adore, I love it's nuttiness especially when chargrilled. My daughter, Alex, on the otherhand HATES eggplant and will actually hone it on it and pick it out of every dish no matter how well hidden it is!!

I actually came across this recipe back in 2006. The original recipe uses chicken mince however we much prefer it with lamb mince. I have learnt to double this recipe as both Noel and Oliver will eat two serves without blinking and there is always some left over to freeze for midweek lunches.

Moussaka

(recipe adapted from Super Food Ideas June 2006)

Serves: 4

Points per serve: 6

cooking spray

2 large eggplant, thinly sliced

1 brown onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

500 grams lamb mince

1 x 400g tinned diced tomatoes

2 tablespoons currants, optional

rind of 1 lemon, finely grated

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 tablespoons low fat butter or margarine

2 tablespoons plain flour

1 2/3 cups skim milk

pinch of ground nutmeg

1/4 cup low fat grated tasty cheese

Preheat oven to 180 deg C.

Preheat grill. Spray eggplant with cooking spray and grill for 2 to 3 minutes each side or until browned.

Spray a large frying pan with cooking spray and heat over a medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, for 3 to 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Add garlic, cinnamon and mince. Cook, breaking up the mince, for 5 minutes or until browned. Add tomatoes, currants, lemon rind and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for a further 5 minutes.

Melt butter in a saucepan over a medium heat. Add flour. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Remove from heat, pour in milk, whisking constantly. Return to heat. Cook, stirring for 5 to 8 minutes or until sauce comes to the boil. Stir in the nutmeg. Remove from heat.

Spray a large ovenproof dish (approx 5cm deep 16cm x 25cm) with cooking spray and layer half the eggplant slices into the base. Spoon over half the mince mixture. Top with remainding eggplant and then the remaining mince mixture. Pour the white sauce mixture evenly over the top of the mince mixture. Sprinkle with cheese.

Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until piping hot. Allow to stand for 10 minutes prior to serving.

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