Menzelat Al-Baithingan (Eggplant Stew) – How to Prepare Menzelat Al-Baithingan

Menzelat Al-Baithingan (Eggplant Stew) – How to Prepare Menzelat Al-Baithingan

Menzelat Al-Baithingan is a popular dish in Levantine cuisine, often served alongside a plate of rice to create a delicious and highly nutritious meal. It is a relatively simple dish to prepare, taking around 70 minutes for preparation and cooking. Below are the ingredients and steps to prepare Menzelat Al-Baithingan for four people. We hope you enjoy today's dish!

Ingredients for Menzelat Al-Baithingan:

 

For the Eggplant:

• 1.5 kg of medium-sized eggplants
• 250 grams of finely minced meat
• 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
• Salt to taste
• ½ teaspoon of black pepper
• 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 kg of ripe tomatoes
• 4 medium-sized onions, roughly chopped
• 250 grams of finely minced meat
• 5 cloves of garlic
• Salt to taste

How to Prepare Menzelat Al-Baithingan:

For the Eggplant:

1. Wash the eggplants thoroughly, peel them, and fry them whole without cutting them.
2. In a pan, heat some oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until it softens.
3. Add the minced meat to the pan and mix well until the meat cooks through.
4. Season the mixture with black pepper and salt. Stir to combine, then remove from heat once the meat is fully cooked.
5. Carefully slice the fried eggplants lengthwise, making a small slit down the center (do not cut all the way through).
6. Stuff each eggplant with the meat mixture using your finger, repeating this for all the eggplants. Set them aside.

For the Tomato Sauce:

1. Wash and peel the tomatoes, then chop them into small pieces.
2. Place the tomatoes and chopped onions in a pot and cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the minced meat to the pot and stir until the meat starts to cook.
4. Season with salt and add the garlic, stirring all ingredients together.
5. Once the meat is cooked, add the stuffed eggplants to the pot with the tomato mixture. Let everything simmer on low heat for another 15 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and transfer the stuffed eggplants to a serving dish. Pour the tomato and meat sauce over the eggplants.

Serve the Menzelat Al-Baithingan with a side of rice for a complete and delicious meal. Enjoy with your family or guests!