Sheikh El Mehshi is a traditional Middle Eastern dish made with small eggplants that are stuffed with a spiced ground meat mixture and then braised in a tomato-based sauce. The dish is typically served as a main course and is a popular dish in Lebanon, Syria, and other countries in the region.
To make Sheikh El Mehshi, the small eggplants are first sliced in half lengthwise and then hollowed out, leaving a thin shell. The spiced ground meat mixture, usually a combination of ground lamb and beef, is then mixed with onions, garlic, parsley, and a variety of spices including cumin, cinnamon, and allspice. This mixture is then stuffed into the eggplant shells.
The stuffed eggplants are then braised in a tomato-based sauce, usually with the addition of chickpeas and sometimes potatoes. The sauce is seasoned with more spices and herbs, including paprika, turmeric, and mint, and is cooked until the eggplants are tender and the sauce has thickened.
Sheikh El Mehshi is usually served hot, with a side of rice or flatbread. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a comforting meal.
