Moussaka-Style Stuffed Eggplant (Aubergine)

A wonderful way of creating four self-contained servings of moussaka. What makes it wonderful is the quality of the ricotta--the best way (and most economical)is to make your own.

• Ready In: 1 hr 50 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2 (1 lb)  eggplants, medium-sized
•  kosher salt
• 2  tablespoons olive oil, plus
•  extra  oil, for rubbing the eggplants
• 3⁄4 lb lean ground lamb
• 1⁄2 onion, diced
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 2  medium tomatoes, peeled, seeded, diced
• 1  green bell pepper, peeled, seeded and diced
• 3⁄4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 3⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3⁄4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1⁄8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1⁄2 cup fresh ricotta
• 1 1⁄3 cups fresh ricotta
•  fresh ground pepper
• 1⁄4 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated
• 1 -2  tablespoon milk
• 1⁄4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
•  fresh parsley (to garnish)

Directions

1. Halve the eggplants lengthwise and score the interior of each half, leaving about a third of an inch thickness on the perimeter.
2. Use a paring knife and a spoon to scoop out the interior of the eggplant, leaving a 'boat.'.
3. Using a fork, pierce the skin in several places, liberally salt the halves and place them upside down on paper towels to drain for about 30 minutes.
4. Chop the eggplant flesh into 1/2" cubes and set aside 4 cups of the cubes (reserve any excess for another recipe).
5. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
6. Wipe the eggplant shells out with paper towels, brush the skin lightly with a little olive oil, and place them on a baking sheet.
7. Bake them until they are just tender (about ten minutes) then remove from the oven and set aside in a baking dish.
8. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
9. Add the lamb and cook, breaking up the pieces, until lightly browned--about 5 minutes.
10. Add the onion, garlic, 4 cups of eggplant and cook, stirring occasionally, until the eggplant is soft--about five more minutes.
11. Add the tomatoes, bell pepper, cloves, cumin, cinnamon and cayenne and cook until the mixture is fairly dry.
12. Remove from the heat and stir in 1/2 cup of the ricotta.
13. Season to taste and spoon into the 4 eggplant halves.
14. Place the remaining 1 and 1/3 cups of ricotta in a small bowl and stir in the nutmeg and enough milk until the consistency of the cheese mixture is spreadable.
15. Spread it over the filled eggplant halves and sprinkle the tops with parmesan.
16. Bake until the tops are very brown--25 to 35 minutes.
17. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.