Go Back
+ servings

Turkish Stuffed Eggplants (Karniyarik)

Saif
Turkish Stuffed Eggplants (Karniyarik) is a dish containing fried eggplants filled with seasoned ground beef, onions, tomatoes, and green peppers. Baked to tender perfection, this flavorful dish is commonly served with rice or bread.
5 from 8 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Turkish
Servings 4
Calories 488 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Baking Oven

Ingredients
  

  • 450 grams of ground beef
  • 4 medium-sized eggplants
  • 1 large green bell pepper
  • 1 medium-sized red onion
  • 3-4 cloves of garlic
  • 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
  • 2 medium-sized tomatoes for grating
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon of thyme
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing
  • 2-3 tablespoons of chopped parsley for garnish and flavor
  • ½ cup of Vegetable Oil for Frying the Eggplant
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Seasoning the Ground Beef

  • Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan at medium heat.
  • Once heated, add chopped onion and stir until translucent. Then, add the garlic and continue stirring for a few minutes.
  • Next, incorporate the chopped green bell pepper and stir to combine.
  • Add the ground beef and gently mix until cooked for 5 minutes or until there is less juice.
  • Include spices such as cumin, cinnamon, and thyme. Mix to combine.
  • Add the tomato paste and grated fresh tomatoes. Give a quick stir.
  • Lastly, introduce the chopped parsley leaves and gently stir to combine. Let it simmer for 5 minutes before turning off the heat. Set it aside.

Frying the Eggplant

  • Before frying the eggplant, partially peel them in a strip.
  • Pour vegetable oil into the pan. Once hot, add the partially peeled eggplant and fry on both sides until light brown.
  • Remove the eggplant and transfer it to a plate. Use a paper towel to remove excess oil.

Stuffing the Eggplants

  • Use a knife to make a lengthwise slit in the middle of the eggplant. Gently create an opening or pocket with your hand.
  • Stuff the eggplant with seasoned ground beef and place it in the baking tray.
  • To prepare the oven, preheat it to 200 C or 400 F. Transfer the baking tray to the center of the oven. Bake for 15 minutes, allowing the stuffed eggplant to release its juices.
  • Lastly, transfer the tray to the upper rack of the oven and broil the Turkish stuffed eggplants for 5 minutes to develop a nice crust on the top.
  • Serve this delicious Karniyarik with rice or bread. Enjoy!

Notes

  • For storing and reheating suggestion, please refer to the post
  • You can use ground lamb instead of ground beef for richer flavor
  • If you like it spicy, add Aleppo pepper or chili pepper.

Nutrition

Serving: 4gCalories: 488kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 38.6gFat: 27.3gSaturated Fat: 6.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 101mgSodium: 714mgPotassium: 1524mgFiber: 8.1gSugar: 14.1gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 63mgIron: 24mg
Keyword Karniyarik, Turkish Stuffed Eggplants
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!