Eggplant papoutsaki facts for kids
| Place of origin | Turkey, Greece |
|---|---|
| Serving temperature | Hot |
Eggplant papoutsaki is a yummy dish from Greece and Turkey. It's made with eggplants and is a popular part of their traditional cooking. The name "papoutsaki" is super interesting because it means "little shoe" or "slipper"!
Contents
What is Papoutsaki?
Eggplant papoutsaki is a delicious baked dish. It uses eggplants that are prepared to look like little shoes. These "shoe" shapes are then filled with tasty ingredients.
How is it Made?
First, eggplants are either boiled or roasted until they are soft. Then, the top part is cut lengthwise, making them look like small boats or shoes. The soft inside of the eggplant is carefully scooped out.
The Delicious Filling
The scooped-out eggplant flesh is mixed with other yummy ingredients. This often includes things like ground beef, eggs, green peppers, green onions, tomatoes, lemon juice, and olive oil. This mix creates a flavorful filling for the eggplant "shoes."
The Cheesy Topping
Once filled, the eggplants are topped with a hard, salty cheese. Some common cheeses used are kefalotyri, Mihaliç Peyniri, or kasseri. After adding the cheese, the dish is grilled until the cheese is bubbly and golden. It's usually served hot and is a comforting meal.
Where Does the Name Come From?
The word "papoutsaki" comes from the Persian language word "paposh." This word means "shoe" or "slipper." It's also used in the Turkish language as "papuc" or "papuç." The dish gets its name because the prepared eggplants look like little shoes before they are filled and baked.
