Authentic Imam Bayildi (Stuffed Eggplants)

Μελιτζάνες Ιμάμ Μπαϊνλντί σε πιάτο - Authentic Imam Bayildi

Imam Bayildi is one of the most beloved Mediterranean eggplant dishes. This traditional recipe features roasted eggplants stuffed with a rich mixture of caramelized onions, garlic, peppers, tomatoes, and fresh parsley, then baked until perfectly tender.

Authentic Imam Bayildi (Stuffed Eggplants)

Recipe by George Zolis
5.0 from 1 vote
Course: MainCuisine: GreekDifficulty: Easy
Servings

5

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

1

hour 
Calories

255

kcal
Total time

1

hour 

20

minutes

Traditional Greek Imam Bayildi. A classic Mediterranean vegetarian recipe full of flavor.

Ingredients

  • 5 5 Eggplants

  • 4-5 4-5 Large Onions, roughly chopped

  • 4-5 4-5 Garlic Cloves, finely chopped

  • 1 1 Sweet Red Bell Pepper, sliced

  • 130 g 1/2 cup Olive Oil

  • Salt and Black Pepper

  • 1 tsp 1 tsp Smoked Paprika

  • 1/2 bunch 1/2 bunch Fresh Parsley, finely chopped

  • 2 tbsp 2 tbsp Tomato Paste

  • 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp Sugar

  • 200 g 3/4 cup Tomato purée

  • 1 1 Tomato, sliced

How to make Imam Bayildi

  • Roast the Eggplants
  • Remove the stems from the eggplants and cut them in half lengthwise.
  • Using a knife, score the flesh diagonally.
  • Gently open each eggplant with your hands.
  • Arrange them on a baking tray.
  • Drizzle with olive oil.
  • Season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
  • Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) using conventional top and bottom heat for 25–30 minutes.
  • Prepare the Filling
  • Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet.
  • Add the onions, garlic, and red bell pepper.
  • Sauté for about 10 minutes until softened.
  • Season with salt and black pepper.
  • Stir and continue cooking briefly.
  • Add the tomato paste and sugar.
  • Cook for 1 minute.
  • Pour in the tomato purée.
  • Reduce the heat.
  • Add the parsley.
  • Stir, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Assemble
  • Using a spoon, gently press the center of each roasted eggplant to create a cavity.
  • Divide the tomato-onion filling evenly among the eggplants.
  • Sprinkle with a little black pepper.
  • Place one tomato slice on top of each eggplant.
  • Final Bake
  • Bake again at 400°F (200°C) using conventional top and bottom heat for 30 minutes.
  • Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving.
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