Peel 5 eggplants in a zebra pattern. Soak in salted water for 20 minutes. Remove from the salted water, squeeze out the excess moisture, and slice into rounds about a finger's width thick. Pour 1 tea glass (about 100 ml / 1/3 cup + 1 tbsp) of vegetable oil into a bowl, add the eggplant slices, and toss to coat. Arrange the eggplant slices on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Roast in the oven at 200°C (400°F) until golden and crispy, then arrange in a round non-stick rice pot.

In a pan, sauté 1 finely diced onion and 2 long green peppers in 1/2 tea glass (about 50 ml / 3 tbsp) of vegetable oil. Add 200 g (about 7 oz) of ground beef and sauté. Chop 1 handful of parsley over the top. Add 1 tablespoon of salça (Turkish tomato/pepper paste) and stir to combine. Pour in 1.5 water glasses (about 300 ml / 1 1/4 cups) of water, add 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper and 1/2 dessert spoon (about 1 tsp) of salt, and bring to a boil.

Spread the prepared filling over the eggplant slices. Cook on low heat for an additional 10 minutes. Enjoy your meal...

About This Recipe

Eggplant is known in the scientific world as Solanum Melongena. It is one of the unique flavors of both Turkish and world cuisine. It is known to have spread to European countries from the 6th century onward. It has managed to become the 6th most consumed vegetable in the world. Eggplant is a vegetable that grows in tropical regions. It is typically known for its purple — and sometimes dark — color, though white varieties can occasionally be found as well.

Consuming eggplant once a week can yield great results for maintaining healthy blood circulation. Low in carbohydrates and high in fiber, eggplant is highly nutritious for people with diabetes. It soothes the digestive and excretory systems, balances cholesterol, and supports heart and vascular health. Its nasunin content aids in the absorption of excess iron. You may notice benefits from consuming eggplant to support iron levels in your body. Eggplant also contains a certain level of nicotine, which can help people trying to quit smoking — increasing eggplant consumption can be effective for those experiencing nicotine cravings. A rich source of vitamin A, eggplant also contains vitamins C, E, and K, as well as potassium, sodium, and magnesium. Thanks to all these vitamins and minerals, eggplant supports proper brain function and memory. Its antioxidant and antibacterial properties help strengthen the body's immune system.

Oven-Roasted Karnıyarık — if you say it's always your all-time favorite by a wide margin, then you simply haven't tried our Eggplant Moussaka (Patlıcan Musakka) recipe yet. Bon appétit in advance...