HOW TO MAKE ITALIAN STROMBOLI AND STUFFED EGGPLANTS

Recipe by: chef ssentongo

From : Easy Recipes

Italian Stromboli Recipe Guide

Stromboli is a delicious Italian-American rolled bread filled with cheese, meats, and vegetables—similar to a calzone but baked in a log shape. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a classic Stromboli at home.

Ingredients

(Makes 1 large Stromboli, serves 4-6)

Dough:

• 1 lb (450g) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)

Filling:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 6-8 slices of deli ham or salami
• 6-8 slices of pepperoni
• ½ cup sliced bell peppers (optional)
• ½ cup sautéed onions (optional)
• ½ cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
• 1 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)

Egg Wash (Optional):

• 1 egg + 1 tbsp water (whisked)

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Roll Out the Dough

• On a floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a 10×14-inch rectangle.
• Brush lightly with olive oil and sprinkle garlic powder & Italian seasoning (if using).

3. Add Fillings

• Layer in this order:
• Mozzarella & Parmesan cheese (leave a 1-inch border).
• Ham/salami & pepperoni.
• Vegetables (if using).

4. Roll & Seal

• Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log.
• Pinch the edges to seal and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
• Brush with egg wash (optional, for a golden crust).
• Cut 3-4 small slits on top to allow steam to escape.

5. Bake

• Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
• Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

6. Serve

• Slice into pieces and serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips for the Best Stromboli

✔ Don’t overfill—too much filling can cause leaks.
✔ Use cold dough—easier to roll.
✔ Variations: Try different cheeses (provolone, ricotta) or meats (Italian sausage, capicola).

Enjoy your homemade Italian Stromboli! 🍕🇮🇹

Would you like any modifications or additional.

> ITALIAN STUFFED EGGPLANT

Stuffed Eggplant with Basmati Rice, Lean Beef & Spicy Garlic Tahini Sauce

This Middle Eastern-inspired dish features tender roasted eggplant stuffed with a flavorful mix of basmati rice, lean ground beef, tomatoes, and herbs, then drizzled with a creamy, spicy garlic tahini sauce.

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Ingredients

(Serves 4)

For the Stuffed Eggplant:

• 2 large eggplants (or 4 small ones)
• ½ lb (225g) lean ground beef (or lamb/turkey)
• ½ cup basmati rice, rinsed
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 tomatoes, diced (or ½ cup tomato sauce)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for brushing)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped (optional)
• 1 cup vegetable or beef broth

For the Spicy Garlic Tahini Sauce:

• ¼ cup tahini paste
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (or 1 tsp harissa for extra heat)
• 3-4 tbsp warm water (to thin)
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Eggplant

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Cut eggplants lengthwise and scoop out the center, leaving a ½-inch thick shell.
• Brush with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and roast cut-side up for 20 minutes until slightly tender.

2. Cook the Filling

• In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté onion & garlic until soft.
• Add ground beef, breaking it up until browned.
• Stir in tomatoes, rice, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes.
• Pour in broth, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes (rice should be partially cooked).
• Remove from heat and mix in parsley & mint.

3. Stuff & Bake

• Fill each eggplant half with the beef-rice mixture.
• Cover with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes (until rice is fully cooked).
• Uncover, broil for 2-3 minutes for a crispy top (optional).

4. Make the Spicy Garlic Tahini Sauce

• Whisk tahini, lemon juice, garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt.
• Gradually add warm water until smooth and creamy.

5. Serve

• Drizzle with tahini sauce and garnish with extra herbs.
• Great with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad.

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Tips for Success

✔ Choose firm eggplants—smaller ones cook faster.
✔ Pre-cook rice slightly to avoid undercooked grains.
✔ Make it vegetarian? Swap beef for lentils or chickpeas.

This dish is rich, hearty, and packed with bold flavors! Would you like any adjustments to the spice level or ingredients? 🌶️🍆