Flexitarian Stuffed Eggplant

1Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut each eggplant in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out centre of eggplant, leaving 1/2-in. (1-cm) thick "shell" (reserve scooped out eggplant for stuffing). Season flesh in shell with 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt. Let stand, cut-side down, on baking sheet.

2Finely chop scooped out eggplant. Heat 3 tbsp (45 mL) oil in medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook chopped eggplant, onion, garlic, cumin and remaining salt about 7 min., or until softened. Mix in rice and 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) water; bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low. Cover and cook 20 min. until rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, 5 min.

3Meanwhile heat remaining oil in skillet over medium heat. Crumble in lamb. Cook 10 min. until browned. Set aside. Arrange the 4 eggplant shells in greased 13 x 9-in. (3-L) baking dish. Measure out 2 1/2 cups (625 mL) rice mixture; fill 4 shells. Set aside.

4Stir browned lamb into remaining rice mixture. Place remaining 4 eggplant shells in second greased 13 x 9-in. (3 L) baking dish; fill with rice-lamb mixture. Pour tomato sauce over all 8 eggplant shells. Cover both baking dishes with foil. Bake 40 min. until eggplant is tender and sauce is bubbling. Sprinkle all stuffed eggplants with parsley. Also sprinkle lemon zest over vegetarian eggplants.