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Air-Fried Spiced Eggplant Boats with Chickpea Quinoa Filling
Discover the vibrant flavors of air-fried spiced eggplant boats, filled with nutrient-rich chickpea quinoa. A healthy, satisfying meal in under 35 minutes!
Elevate your air fryer game with these uniquely delicious Spiced Eggplant Boats, filled with a hearty chickpea and quinoa mixture. This recipe combines the earthiness of eggplant with the nutty taste of quinoa, and the protein punch of chickpeas. It's a plant-based meal that’s both satisfying and nutrient-dense.
Eggplants are rich in antioxidants like nasunin and chlorogenic acid, which help protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation. Paired with protein-rich chickpeas and fiber-loaded quinoa, this meal is a nutritional powerhouse. The air fryer method retains the vegetables’ natural flavors and nutrients while providing that perfect crispy texture.
Recipe Overview
🥗 Vegetarian
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings
4
Calories
450 kcal
per serving
Cuisine
Mexican
Discover the vibrant flavors of air-fried spiced eggplant boats, filled with nutrient-rich chickpea quinoa. A healthy, satisfying meal in under 35 minutes!
Ingredients
- • medium eggplants: 2
- • cooked quinoa: 1 cup
- • canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed: 1 cup
- • cherry tomatoes, halved: 1 cup
- • red onion, finely chopped: 1/2 cup
- • garlic cloves, minced: 2
- • olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- • ground cumin: 1 teaspoon
- • ground coriander: 1 teaspoon
- • smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon
- • salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- • black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- • fresh cilantro, chopped: 1/4 cup
- • lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- 1 Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- 2 Halve the eggplants lengthwise and scoop out some of the flesh, leaving about a 1/2-inch thick shell. Brush the eggplant shells with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
- 3 In a bowl, combine the scooped-out eggplant flesh, cooked quinoa, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, red onion, minced garlic, remaining olive oil, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- 4 Stuff the eggplant shells with the chickpea quinoa mixture, pressing it down to fill evenly.
- 5 Place the stuffed eggplant boats in the air fryer basket and cook for 18-20 minutes, or until the eggplant is tender and the tops are slightly crispy.
- 6 Remove from the air fryer and sprinkle with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- • These Spiced Eggplant Boats pair beautifully with a simple side salad of mixed greens and cucumber, dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. For a refreshing beverage, try serving with a chilled cucumber mint lemonade to complement the spices. Alternatively, if you're looking for something hearty, consider a side of roasted sweet potatoes, which can also be prepared in the air fryer. Their natural sweetness will contrast nicely with the savory filling of the eggplant boats.
Storage Tips
Leftover eggplant boats can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. This method will help maintain their texture and flavor.
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