Easy Oven-Baked Eggplant Kebab Recipe from MasterChef

For those who enjoy hearty oven-baked meals, a "Tepside Patlıcan Kebabı" (Tray-Baked Eggplant Kebab) offers a flavorful and relatively simple preparation.

The dish brings together tender eggplant slices and seasoned ground meat, layered artfully in a baking dish. To enhance the flavors, fresh tomatoes and peppers are added on top before it enters the oven. This combination creates a rich and satisfying main course.

Preparation involves slicing eggplants and soaking them in saltwater to remove any bitterness. The ground meat is then mixed with garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, kneaded well, and formed into portions. The eggplant and meat are arranged in a circular pattern in the baking dish, with the remaining eggplant filling the center.

Once assembled, the dish is topped with chopped tomatoes and peppers, sprinkled with salt, and drizzled with olive oil. Covered with baking paper, it bakes in a preheated 190°C (375°F) oven for about 40 minutes. After removing the paper, it continues to bake for another 20 minutes until the top is golden brown.

Served hot, this tray-baked eggplant kebab is recommended as a delightful main dish, perfectly complemented by rice and a fresh salad for a complete meal.