Sheikh El Mahshi (شيخ المحشي )

Step 1

Slice the eggplants. Sprinkle with some salt and let it rest for 10 minutes then pat them dry.

Step 2

Place on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Brush generously with oil and bake for 15 minutes in a pre-heated 400 degree oven. Remove afterwards and let it cool.

Step 3

Meanwhile prepare the meat stuffing. Finely dice a medium onion. You will also need to finely dice a red bell pepper, chop some cilantro, and mince some garlic.

Step 4

Heat 1 tbsp. of olive oil in a frying pan and sauté the onions until translucent in color. Add in the garlic, cilantro and bell pepper. Sauté on medium-low heat for about 2-3 minutes andthen add in the ground beef, salt and spices

Step 5

Mix everything together to break up the ground beef and continue cooking the beef until it's fully cooked and the water has dried down. Turn off the heat and add in some toasted pinenuts. (optional, but recommended)

Step 6

To prepare the tomato sauce, slice the onion and tomatoes, and finely chop the garlic and cilantro. In a skillet, heat a couple tablespoons of olive oil, or any kind,and fry the onions until they start obtaining a golden color.

Step 7

Add in the garlic and cilantro and continue stirring to cook those for another 30 seconds. Add in the tomato and cook until tender, then add in the tomato paste, 2 cups ofwater and tomato sauce.

Step 8

Season with salt, black pepper, and 7 spices. If youdon't have 7 spices, you can use a tiny bit of all spice (about 1/2 tsp. alongwith 1/2 tsp. of cinnamon). Let the sauce simmer for about 3-5 minutes on low,then turn off the heat off

Step 9

Transfer the sauce to a baking dish (or if you are using an oven safe skillet, you can keep them there and baking in it. Place a piece of eggplant on a cutting board or flat surface and top with some ground beef. Fold to roll carefully without ripping. Place the rolled eggplant in the baking dish.

Step 10

Repeat the steps to finish the rest of the eggplants. Bake in a pre-heated 400 degree oven for 40 minutes. Remove and garnish with chopped parsley and pine nuts. Serve with vermicelli rice or plain white rice