Garden Kebap

(Bostan Kebabi)

2 medium eggplants
1/2 cup sunflower oil

Filling:
200 g lamb cubes
1 + 1/4 cups hot water
1 small onion, sliced
4 tbsp tomato, diced, canned
1-2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tbsp tomato paste mixed with 1/2 cup hot water
Salt
Pepper

Topping:
2 slices tomato
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp crushed pepper

Peel alternating strips of skin lengthwise as seen in the picture for each eggplant. Sprinkle salt all over and put aside for about 20 minutes. Squeeze, wash and then dry them with a paper towel. Heat the oil in a skillet at medium-high and fry each side until nicely colored. Cut a slit in each eggplant and scoop out most of the seeds, making sure they don't fall apart. Place them in a clean casserole dish.

Meanwhile, cook the lamb cubes with their juice without oil. After all the water evaporates, add 1 cup of hot water and heat at medium-low until the lamb softens. Add the rest of the ingredients. Cover the lid half way and cook at medium heat for about 15 minutes.

Fill the eggplants equally with the filling using a tablespoon. Sprinkle oregano and crushed pepper on top. Place the sliced tomatoes on each eggplant. Pour 1/4 cup of hot water into the casserole dish from the side.

Preheat the oven to 375 F (190 C). Place the dish on the middle rack and bake for about 30-35 minutes. Serve with any kind of Pilaf.

Meal Ideas:
- Pilaf with Almonds, Cacık and Semolina Dessert.