Recipe
of the WeekEasy Eggplant Puff Pastry
In a large skillet over medium heat, saute olive oil and onion for 4 minutes. Add the garlic and the eggplant. Saute another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add mushrooms, olives, tomatoes, oregano, salt and pepper. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine rice with 1/4 cup chopped basil. Set aside. On a large cutting board, roll out puff pastry and cut into 4 equal squares (about 6x6). Preheat oven to 400. To build pouches, spoon 1/2 cup of rice onto the center of each puff pastry square. Layer 1/2 cup of eggplant mixture on top of the rice. Pull all four corners of the pastry to the center until they meet. Twist the four corners together, and then pinch the seams of the pouch to loosely seal them together. (It?s okay if the seams burst open.) Place all four pouches on a non-stick cookie sheet. Brush pastry with melted butter. Bake for 20 minutes, until flakey, crisp and lightly browned. Garnish each pouch with a fresh basil leaf. Serve immediately.
Notes: This dish looks like a million bucks, but it's so simple to make! Plus, your family can enjoy the health benefits of fresh vegetables and whole grains (the brown rice).
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