Tepsi Baytinijan

Savor the rich flavors of Tepsi Baytinijan, a comforting Middle Eastern dish of layered eggplants and spiced ground beef, all simmered in a luscious tomato sauce. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends.

• 3 medium eggplants
• 500 grams ground beef
• 2 medium onions
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Method

1. 1

   Slice the eggplants into rounds and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out moisture, then rinse and pat dry.

2. 2

   In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Fry the eggplant slices until they are golden brown on both sides, then remove and set aside.

3. 3

   In the same pan, add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent.

4. 4

   Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned. Stir in the tomato sauce, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes.

5. 5

   In a baking dish, layer the fried eggplant slices, followed by the beef mixture. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of eggplant on top.

6. 6

   Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is slightly crispy.

7. 7

   Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Tepsi Baytinijan warm.