Turkey And Quinoa Stuffed Eggplant Recipes

TURKEY STUFFED EGGPLANT RECIPE

Steps:

• Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees.
• Cut the eggplant in half lengthwise. Using a small sharp knife, and leaving about 1/2 -inch border around the edges, score the eggplants in a criss-cross pattern reaching to the bottom of the eggplant but being careful not to pierce skin (this will make scooping out the flesh easier once it is cooked). Brush each half with olive oil, and season with a 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon cracked pepper.
• Place the eggplant halves, skin side down, in a baking tray and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until nicely golden-brown and tender. Remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly.
• Meanwhile prepare the filling. Heat 1 tablesoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and red pepper and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly soft. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
• Add the ground turkey, oregano, paprika, cayenne (if using) and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until brown and no longer pink. Add the tomatoes and fresh thyme and cook for 2-3 more minutes.
• Once the eggplant has cooled enough to touch, gently scoop out most of the flesh and add to the turkey mixture, leaving the shells in the baking tray. Cook the mixture for 5 minutes to let the flavours meld.
• Stuff the eggplant halves evenly with the turkey mixture. Crumble the goat cheese over top and roast for about 5-10 minutes just to heat through. TIP: If using a melty cheese such as mozzarella, turn on the broiler for 1-2 minutes.
• If making the lemon yogurt sauce, mix all the ingredients in a medium bowl to combine.
• Garnish eggplants with chopped thyme leaves and basil. Serve with lemon-yogurt sauce, if desired.

TURKEY AND QUINOA SALAD

Steps:

• Heat 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the quinoa and cook, stirring, until lightly toasted, about 4 minutes. Add 4 cups water and 1/4 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender, about 15 minutes.
• Toss the turkey with half of the herbs, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste; set aside. Soak the onion slices in cold water, 10 minutes.
• Toss the tomatoes, chile, cucumbers, vinegar, 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, the remaining herbs, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste in a large bowl. Drain the onion, add to the tomato mixture and toss.
• Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add the turkey and cook until golden, about 3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels, then cut into 2-inch pieces. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and divide among bowls. Top with the tomato mixture and turkey.