SEAFOOD-STUFFED EGGPLANT

Seafood-Stuffed Eggplant image

Provided by Rosalind Bergeron

Yield Serves 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

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4 medium eggplants (about 1 pound each), split lengthwise
2 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 onions, chopped (about 2 cups)
1 pound uncooked large shrimp, peeled, deveined, coarsely chopped
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons dry Italian-style breadcrumbs
1/2 pound crabmeat, drained well, picked over

Steps:

Preheat broiler. Arrange eggplants on large baking sheet. Pierce with fork. Broil 4 minutes per side. Scoop out eggplant pulp, leaving 1/2-inch-thick shell intact. Place eggplant pulp in heavy medium saucepan. Pour 2 cups water over. Add 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 15 minutes. Uncover and simmer until eggplant is very tender and liquid evaporates, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush eggplant shells with 1 tablespoon oil. Bake until shells are tender but still hold shape, about 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat 3 tablespoons oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions; sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Add boiled eggplant, shrimp and cayenne; sauté until shrimp are cooked through, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in 1 cup breadcrumbs and crabmeat. Season with salt and pepper. Fill eggplant shells with seafood mixture. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead; refrigerate.)
Preheat oven to 375°F. Sprinkle stuffing with remaining 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs. Bake stuffed eggplants until heated through, about 30 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes. Serve hot.