Nothing pleases me more than finding a fresh reason to gather everyone around the table, and Kofta with Creamy Eggplant provides one. This is the kind of centerpiece that makes dinner feel complete without needing a crowded menu. Its Middle Eastern character makes it especially meaningful to share. There is something comforting about letting the oven take over while the table comes together.
Ingredients
- 600g ground beef
- 2 medium onion, grated
- 2 slices of toast moistened and processed
- 1 tsp tomato paste
- 1 tbs red chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt
- Black pepper
Tomato sauce
- 3 tbs olive oil
- 3 tomatoes, grated and strained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper paste
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried sabzi (optional)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Salt
- 2 tbs water
Creamy eggplant
- 2 medium globe eggplant
- 2 tbs butter
- 2 tbs flour
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups milk
- 200g mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make a small slit in the eggplant so it doesn’t explode then roast under the broiler until charred from all sides. Let cool then peel and chop.
- Mix all the ingredients for the kofta and shape into kofta form. Fry in oil until golden and set aside.
- Time to make the tomato sauce, in a pan heat the oil add 3 tomatoes, garlic and pepper paste cook for 30 seconds add the rest of the ingredients and cook on low for a minute so flavors can develop then add the water and cook for further 30 seconds. Add the kofta in a single layer cover and cook until the kofta is cooked through. If you feel like you need to add a bit more water go ahead.
- For the creamy eggplant you will start by making a roux melt 2 tablespoons of butter add 2 tablespoons of flour and whisk until combined add the minced garlic and cook add 2 cups of milk and continue whisking until heated add salt and pepper then the eggplants and keep whisking to combine fold in the cheese and cook until melted.
- Time to assemble first layer is the eggplant then add the kofta spread the tomato sauce and garnish with parsley.