Easy Moroccan Stuffed Eggplant (beef or lamb)

Step 1

Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C fan).

Step 2

Sweat eggplants (recommended, see Note 5 to skip) - Cut eggplants in half then score with 2.5cm / 1" diamonds. Rub surface with salt, getting some into the slits. Place face down in a colander and set aside for 30 minutes. Gently squeeze like a sponge to remove excess water, pat surface dry.

Step 3

Mix Chermoula spice mix ingredients in a bowl. Remove 3 teaspoons for the meat and set aside. Add olive oil and lemon juice into the remaining spice mix and mix into a paste.

Step 4

Roast eggplant - Place eggplant on baking tray. Slather spice mix onto the surface. Roast for 45 minutes until softened.

Step 5

Spiced topping - Heat oil in a non stick skillet over medium high heat. Cook onion and garlic for 1 minute. Turn heat up to high, add lamb/beef and cook, breaking it up as you go, until you no longer see red. Add reserved spices and salt, then cook for a further 1 minute. Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Stir in water, cook for 1 minute until it's juicy but not watery.

Step 6

Assemble - Top eggplant with beef/lamb. Sprinkle over coriander, dollop with yogurt and pine nuts. Finish with an extra drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, if desired!