Melitzanes Papoutsakia (Little Shoes) - Step by Step

Make the Meat Sauce

First the onions, then the eggplant pulp, ground beef, tomatoes, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper for the filling

Photo © Jim Stanfield

When the frying pan has preheated, increase heat and sauté the onions (both types if you're using scallions instead of garlic) in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, using the frying pan that has the cover. When the onions soften and turn translucent (without browning), add the chopped eggplant pulp and stir for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the ground beef and sauté until it starts to brown. Stir in the tomatoes, parsley, garlic, pinches of salt and pepper (to taste), and reduce the heat. Simmer covered for 20 minutes or until the sauce melds and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from the heat, and set aside.

• "Little Shoes"
• Prepare Your Ingredients
• Scoop Out the Eggplant
• Make the Meat Sauce
• Make the Béchamel Sauce
• Fill and Cook the Eggplant
• Ready to Serve & Alternative Preparation