Rice-Stuffed Eggplant Parmesan
This easy take on classic eggplant Parmesan is made with jasmine rice and delivers delicious flavors in every bite.
(26 votes, average: 3.81 out of 5)
Ingredients
- 2 small eggplants, halved lengthwise (about 6 oz, each)
- 1/2 tsp salt, divided
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, divided
- 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 1/2 cup tomato basil pasta sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup Minute® Instant Jasmine Rice
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, divided
Instructions
Filled with cheese, pasta sauce and fluffy Minute® Instant Jasmine Rice, our vegetarian Rice-Stuffed Eggplant Parmesan makes a hearty lunch, dinner or delicious side dish that everyone can enjoy.
Step 1
Preheat oven to 400°F. Scoop out eggplant pulp with a spoon or paring knife, leaving 1/4-inch border all around. Season eggplant shells with 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper.
Step 2
Place eggplant shells on foil-lined baking sheet, cut side up. Drizzle generously with olive oil; bake for 25 minutes or until very tender. Reserve foil-lined baking sheet.
Step 3
Meanwhile, chop the scooped eggplant; heat remaining olive oil in a pan, add garlic and cook, stirring for 1 minute. Add chopped eggplant, season with remaining salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until eggplant has softened and is starting to brown. Remove from pan and set aside.
Step 4
In the same pan, combine pasta sauce and water; bring to a boil. Stir in rice; cover and remove from heat.
Step 5
Let stand for about 5 minutes or until rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Fluff rice with fork. Stir in cooked eggplant, one cup of mozzarella, 1/4 cup of Parmesan and 2 tablespoons of parsley.
Step 6
Stuff rice filling into eggplant shells; transfer to reserved foil-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella, Parmesan and parsley over top. Bake for 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbling.
Recipe Tip
Substitute 4 Japanese eggplants for 2 small eggplants, if desired. Japanese eggplants are great to use in this recipe because they cook in less time. They are also milder in flavor because they have fewer seeds.
Rice-Stuffed Vegetables
These stuffed eggplants are a comforting and delicious meal, filled with all kinds of aromatic flavors. To give this vegetarian recipe a hearty touch, we’ve added fluffy Minute® Instant Jasmine Rice. Jasmine rice adds a subtle, aromatic flavor and blends with the other ingredients perfectly.
To prepare the rice filling, start by giving your rice a pop of color and flavor by swapping herbed pasta sauce for some of the cooking water. Then, combine the eggplant flesh with the cheese and mix in some parsley for extra flavor.
While we love stuffed eggplant, it’s not the only vegetable that you can eat stuffed with a yummy rice mixture. There is a wide array of different kinds of vegetables to enjoy, including bell peppers, tomatoes, squash, avocado and cabbage. Try your hand at classic Rice and Quinoa Stuffed Peppers or Shrimp and Rice Stuffed Avocados. Find these recipes and more stuffed vegetable ideas in our recipe collection.
Customize It
The great thing about this classic dish is that you can customize it to your liking. For example, try adding an extra protein source to your mixture, such as cooked minced meat, shredded rotisserie chicken or even Red Beans and Rice. Or, try adding a different type of cheese to your rice mixture to switch up the flavor.
Vegetarian Stuffed Eggplant Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, why not try combining another vegetarian recipe with eggplant. For example, this Vegetarian Chili recipe, made with our Minute® Ready to Serve Southwest Pinto Beans and Rice Cups, is comforting, easy to make, and delicious.
Which Seasonings Go Well With Eggplant?
As eggplant is so spongy, it soaks up the flavors of herbs and spices very efficiently. Try your eggplant with some oregano or thyme for a classic flavor combination. On the other hand, if you’re in the mood for experimenting, try cooking it with some ground cinnamon.
If you’re craving some Middle Eastern cuisine, try combining your eggplant with spices like chili powder, cumin or turmeric.
Mediterranean Stuffed Eggplant Recipes
If you’re looking for a Mediterranean-inspired recipe that calls for eggplant, try this Mediterranean Chicken & Quinoa Delight, made with Minute® Organic White & Red Quinoa. Feel free to add in some toasted nuts like almonds or pistachios for some added crunch.
Italian Stuffed Eggplant Recipes
Alternatively, for something with more of an Italian flavor, try adapting these Easy Italian Stuffed Peppers, made with Minute® Garlic & Olive Oil Jasmine Rice, to include eggplant instead. As this recipe is microwaveable, it’s perfect for newer chefs who don’t have so much experience preparing stuffed vegetable recipes.
Other Meal Inspiration
For something with more of a Latin American flavor, learn how to make this Mexican Rice Recipe.
