| 1/2 | tsp | allspice | | 1/4 | tsp | cinnamon | | 12 | number | eggplants | | 3 | clove | garlic, crushed | | 3/4 | lbs | ground beef | | 1 | number | medium onion, finely chopped | | 3/4 | cup | olive oil | | 1/4 | tsp | oregano | | 1/2 | tsp | pepper | | 1/2 | cup | pine nuts | | 1/2 | cup | rice, rinsed |
| to taste | salt |
| to taste | yogurt sauce | | | Core the eggplants with a sharp knife or, better yet, with an eggplant corer (found in Middle Eastern stores), making sure not to break the skins. In a frying pan, heat 1/2 cup of the oil and sauté the eggplants over a medium heat, turning often until they cook on all sides; then remove and place in a strainer to drain and cool. To the same oil, add the onion and garlic; then sauté over a medium heat for a few moments. Add more oil if the onions begin to stick. Stir in the meat, rice, salt, pepper, allspice, cinnamon, and oregano and stir-fry until the meat is browned. Remove and allow to cool. In the meantime, heat the remaining 1/4 cup of oil in another frying pan and add the pine nuts; then stir-fry over a medium heat until they turn golden brown. Remove and drain. Make a filling by mixing the pine nuts with the meat mixture. Stuff the eggplants; then set aside. Prepare the yogurt sauce. Place the stuffed eggplants in the yogurt; then simmer uncovered over very low heat, for 30 minutes. Serve hot. |