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melitzanes papoutsakia (greek stuffed eggplant)

(2 ratings)
Recipe by
Marsha Gardner
Florala, AL

Melitzanes Papoutsakia or Stuffed Eggplant "Little Shoes". The aubergines (eggplants) are stuffed with a beef and tomato mixture and topped with bechamel sauce, a slice of tomato and some cheese.

(2 ratings)
yield 4 serving(s)
cook time 1 Hr 30 Min

Ingredients For melitzanes papoutsakia (greek stuffed eggplant)

  • 2
    eggplants
  • 1 md
    onion, chopped
  • 2 clove
    garlic, chopped
  • 1/2 lb
    lean ground beef
  • 2
    tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/4 c
    white wine
  • 1/2 c
    parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp
    cinnamon, optional
  • kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1
    tomato, sliced
  • 1 c
    bechamel sauce
  • 1 c
    kefalotyri cheese or pecorino-romano
  • BECHAMEL SAUCE
  • 2 Tbsp
    butter, unsalted
  • 2 Tbsp
    all purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 c
    milk
  • kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • dash
    freshly grated nutmeg

How To Make melitzanes papoutsakia (greek stuffed eggplant)

  • 1
    Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise and scoop out the middle leaving the shell about 1/8 inch thick. Heat the oil in a pan. Add the onions and saute until translucent. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant. Chop and add the eggplant that was removed from the shells. Add the ground beef and cook until it is browned. Add the tomatoes, wine, cinnamon, parsley, salt and pepper, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Spread some of the cheese over the bottom of the eggplant shell. Fill the shell with the stuffing. Cover with the bechamel sauce. Place a slice of tomato on top. Cover with the remaining cheese. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven until the bechamel sauce and the cheese are browned, about 60-90 minutes.
  • 2
    BECHAMEL SAUCE: Melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the paste cooks and bubbles a bit, but don't let it brown — about 2 minutes. Add the hot milk, continuing to stir as the sauce thickens. Bring it to a boil. Add nutmeg and salt and pepper to taste, lower the heat, and cook, stirring for 2 to 3 minutes more. Remove from the heat. To cool this sauce for later use, cover it with wax paper or pour a film of milk over it to prevent a skin from forming.

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