Eggplant stuffing

---------- Recipe via Meal-Master (tm) v8.02
  
       Title: EGGPLANT STUFFING
  Categories: Ethnic, Vegetarian
       Yield: 6 servings
  
       3 md Eggplants (1 lb ea.)
     1/4 c  Olive oil
     1/3 c  Chopped scallions
            -=OR=- Shallots
       1    Garlic clove; sliced (opt.)
     1/4 c  Chopped fresh parsley
       2 tb Chopped fresh fennel or dill
     1/2 ts Allspice; more if necessary
     1/4 c  Dry white wine
       2 tb Tomato paste; MIXED WITH:
     1/2 c  Water
            Salt & freshly ground pepper
     1/2 c  Bread crumbs
  
   Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise.  With a small knife, cut away the
   eggplant flesh from the skin without breaking the skin (if planning to
   stuff the shells, leave 1/4-inch of the flesh with the skin as a firm base)
   and set the shells aside.  Dice the eggplant flesh and push through the
   medium blade of a meat grinder as quickly as possible to avoid
   discoloration.  (Or the eggplant may be pureed in a blender or food
   processor.)
   
   Heat the oil in a frying pan and saute the scallions and garlic.  Add the
   parsley, fennel, allspice, wine, and the diluted tomato paste.  Stir in the
   eggplant pulp, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 20 minutes.
   Taste to adjust seasonings.  Add the bread crumbs to absorb excess liquid.
   
   Stuff the eggplant shells, if desired, and place in an oiled baking dish.
   Bake in a moderate oven (350 F) for 35 minutes.  Serve warm - or
   particularly good - cold.
   
   From: "The Food of Greece" by Vilma Liacouras Chantiles.  Avenel Books, New
   York. Typed for you by Karen Mintzias
  
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