Imam Bayildi, a Turkish dish, features eggplant stuffed with a flavorful mixture of onions, garlic, and tomatoes, then simmered in olive oil. The name translates to "the imam fainted," legend saying he swooned at its deliciousness. This traditional recipe reflects Mediterranean culinary heritage, celebrated for its rich flavors and healthy ingredients.

Ingredients:

- 2 large eggplants

- 1 large onion, finely chopped

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 tomatoes, diced

- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1/2 cup olive oil

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cut eggplants in half lengthwise and score the flesh in a crisscross pattern.

3. Sprinkle eggplants with salt and let sit for 15 minutes to draw out moisture.

4. Rinse eggplants and pat dry with paper towels.

5. Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook onion until translucent, then add garlic and cook for another minute.

6. Add tomatoes, parsley, mint, salt, and pepper. Cook until tomatoes soften, about 5 minutes.

7. Stuff the eggplant halves with the tomato mixture.

8. Place stuffed eggplants in a baking dish and drizzle with remaining olive oil.

9. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.

10. Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until eggplants are tender.

11. Serve Imam Bayildi warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Nutrition Value:

1. Eggplants:

  - Calories: Approximately 47 calories per 1 cup, sliced.

  - Carbohydrates: About 11 grams per cup.

  - Protein: Around 2 grams per cup.

  - Fat: Very low in fat content, approximately 0.2 grams per cup.

  - Sodium: Very low, with about 2 milligrams per cup.

  - Cholesterol: Eggplants are cholesterol-free.

  - Vitamins and minerals: Good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B6, folate, potassium, and manganese.

  - Nutritional benefits: Eggplants are rich in antioxidants, particularly nasunin, which may help protect cells from damage. They are also a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes gut health.

2. Onion:

  - Calories: Around 44 calories per 100 grams.

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 10 grams per 100 grams.

  - Protein: About 1.2 grams per 100 grams.

  - Fat: Very low, with around 0.1 grams per 100 grams.

  - Sodium: Low, with approximately 4 milligrams per 100 grams.

  - Cholesterol: Onions are cholesterol-free.

  - Vitamins and minerals: Rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate, and potassium.

  - Nutritional benefits: Onions contain antioxidants and sulfur compounds that may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. They also provide prebiotic fibers that promote a healthy gut microbiome.

3. Garlic:

  - Calories: Approximately 149 calories per 100 grams.

  - Carbohydrates: Around 33 grams per 100 grams.

  - Protein: About 6 grams per 100 grams.

  - Fat: Very low, with around 0.5 grams per 100 grams.

  - Sodium: Low, with approximately 17 milligrams per 100 grams.

  - Cholesterol: Garlic is cholesterol-free.

  - Vitamins and minerals: High in vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese.

  - Nutritional benefits: Garlic has potent medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. It may also help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

4. Tomatoes:

  - Calories: Approximately 18 calories per 100 grams.

  - Carbohydrates: Around 3.9 grams per 100 grams.

  - Protein: About 0.9 grams per 100 grams.

  - Fat: Very low, with around 0.2 grams per 100 grams.

  - Sodium: Low, with approximately 5 milligrams per 100 grams.

  - Cholesterol: Tomatoes are cholesterol-free.

  - Vitamins and minerals: Excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and folate.

  - Nutritional benefits: Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which has been linked to various health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers. They are also low in calories and high in hydration.

5. Parsley:

  - Calories: Approximately 36 calories per 100 grams.

  - Carbohydrates: Around 6.3 grams per 100 grams.

  - Protein: About 3 grams per 100 grams.

  - Fat: Very low, with around 0.8 grams per 100 grams.

  - Sodium: Low, with approximately 56 milligrams per 100 grams.

  - Cholesterol: Parsley is cholesterol-free.

  - Vitamins and minerals: Excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin A, and folate.

  - Nutritional benefits: Parsley contains antioxidants and essential nutrients that support bone health, immune function, and digestion. It also has antibacterial properties.

6. Mint:

  - Calories: Approximately 70 calories per 100 grams.

  - Carbohydrates: Around 14.8 grams per 100 grams.

  - Protein: About 3.3 grams per 100 grams.

  - Fat: Very low, with around 0.9 grams per 100 grams.

  - Sodium: Low, with approximately 31 milligrams per 100 grams.

  - Cholesterol: Mint is cholesterol-free.

  - Vitamins and minerals: Good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin B6.

  - Nutritional benefits: Mint has digestive benefits and may help alleviate symptoms of indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It also provides antioxidants and may have antimicrobial properties.

7. Salt and Pepper:

  - Salt: Consuming too much salt can lead to high blood pressure and other health issues, but in moderation, it's essential for electrolyte balance and nerve function.

  - Pepper: Black pepper contains small amounts of essential nutrients like manganese, vitamin K, and iron. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

8. Olive Oil:

  - Calories: Approximately 119 calories per tablespoon (14 grams).

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible, less than 1 gram per tablespoon.

  - Protein: Negligible, less than 1 gram per tablespoon.

  - Fat: High in monounsaturated fats, approximately 13.5 grams per tablespoon.

  - Sodium: Very low, with only trace amounts.

  - Cholesterol: Olive oil is cholesterol-free.

  - Vitamins and minerals: Contains vitamin E and vitamin K.

  - Nutritional benefits: Olive oil is a staple of the Mediterranean diet and is associated with various health benefits, including improved heart health, reduced inflammation, and better weight management. It's rich in antioxidants and monounsaturated fats, which may help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.