Kid-Friendly Eggplant Boat Pizza
Kid-Friendly Eggplant Boat Pizza
A Delicious Eggplant Dish Even Picky Eaters Will Love: Eggplant Boat Pizza
Are you looking for ways to get your children to eat their vegetables? One vegetable that can be a challenge is eggplant. This recipe transforms eggplant into a fun and delicious pizza that kids will adore! Introducing our ‘Eggplant Boat Pizza,’ a delightful way to enjoy eggplant.
Ingredients- 2 eggplants
- 100g ground pork (pork shoulder or ground meat)
- 1/4 onion
- 3 cherry tomatoes
- 1 green chili pepper (or bell pepper)
- Hollowed-out eggplant flesh
- A little chopped kimchi
- 1/2 bottle tomato sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese, to taste
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s marinate the pork. If you’re using pork shoulder, chop it roughly with a knife so you can feel the texture. You can also use pre-ground pork. Place the chopped pork in a bowl, add 1 tablespoon of cooking wine, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for about 10 minutes. This step helps remove any gamey smell and enhances the flavor.
Step 2
Next, prepare the eggplants. Choose eggplants that have a nice shape. Trim off the stems and cut each eggplant in half lengthwise. Then, using a spoon, carefully scoop out the flesh to create a boat-like shape. Be careful not to scoop too thinly, or the filling might fall out. Set the scooped-out eggplant flesh aside, as we’ll use it for the filling. Finely chop the reserved eggplant flesh and sprinkle it with a little salt. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to draw out moisture. This helps reduce any bitterness and improves the texture. (Be careful with your hands while working!)
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare the topping ingredients. Finely chop the onion, green chili pepper, cherry tomatoes, and the reserved eggplant flesh that you set aside earlier. Feel free to use any leftover vegetables you have in your refrigerator – this is a great way to reduce food waste and add variety! Finely chopping the vegetables will make them easier for kids to eat without noticing.
Step 4
It’s time to stir-fry the toppings. Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Start by adding the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Cooking the onions thoroughly brings out their natural sweetness, which enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Step 5
Once the onions are translucent, add the chopped eggplant flesh to the pan and stir-fry it with the onions. The eggplant flesh will absorb some of the oil, adding a lovely texture to the filling.
Step 6
Now, add a little minced garlic and the chopped kimchi. Stir-fry everything together. The kimchi adds a delightful tangy and slightly sweet flavor, which balances the richness of the pizza. Next, add the chopped green chili pepper and cherry tomatoes. Stir-fry for just a short time, as you don’t want the vegetables to become too mushy. Season lightly with salt and a dash of black pepper. Spread the cooked vegetable mixture onto a plate and let it cool slightly. Cooling the topping makes it easier to handle when filling the eggplant boats.
Step 7
Prepare another pan, or wipe clean the one you just used. Add a little oil and stir-fry the marinated pork until it’s nicely browned. Break up any clumps with your spatula while it cooks. Cooking the pork until it’s slightly browned adds a wonderful savory depth.
Step 8
Now, combine the stir-fried vegetable mixture and the cooked pork. Mix them together thoroughly. This forms the delicious filling for your eggplant boat pizzas.
Step 9
Finally, add about half a bottle of tomato sauce to the mixture. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. The tomato sauce adds a sweet and tangy base that complements the other flavors. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly. Your pizza topping is now complete!
Step 10
Gently squeeze out any excess water from the salted eggplant halves. This step prevents the eggplant from releasing too much water during cooking and ensures a better texture. Generously fill each eggplant boat with the prepared topping mixture. Pack it in well for a satisfying bite.
Step 11
Top each filled eggplant boat with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese. The sight of melted cheese will surely entice the kids! Now, microwave for about 3 minutes (cooking time may vary depending on your microwave). Once the cheese is melted and the eggplant is tender, a delicious aroma will fill your kitchen – your Eggplant Boat Pizza is ready! Enjoy this fun and tasty meal with your children.
