Eggplant, Lamb And Rice Casserole

Grrrrrgh!
Course : Lamb
From: HungryMonster.com
Serves: 4
 

Ingredients:

2 Pounds Eggplants
1/2 Pound Ground Lamb -- lean
2 Teaspoons Olive Oil
2 medium Onions -- chopped
1 medium Red Bell Pepper -- seeded and chopped
2 Cloves garlic
14 1/2 Ounces Tomatoes, Canned -- undrained
2 Teaspoons Dried Oregano
1/2 Teaspoon Dried Thyme
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
1/4 Teaspoon Ground Cloves
1 Cup White Rice
14 1/2 Ounces Beef Broth -- defatted
2 Ounces Feta Cheese -- crumbled
1/4 Teaspoon Salt And Pepper -- to taste
 

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Cut eggplants in half lengthwise. Place eggplant halves, cut-side down, in a roasting pan. Add water to a depth of 1/2 inch. Bake until tender, 20 to 25 minutes; set aside. Reduce oven temperature to 400 degrees. While the eggplant is roasting, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground lamb and saute, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned, 3-5 minutes. Transfer to a colander and drain off fat. Set aside. In a Dutch ove, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook until golden, about 5 minutes. Add red peppers and garlic and cook for 2 minutes longer. Stir in tomatoes and their juice, oregano, thyme, cinnamon and cloves. Simmer, breaking up the tom atoes with a wooden spoon, until the mixture has thickened slightly, 3-5 minutes. Scoop out eggplant flesh and chop coarsely. Stir rice, beef broth, chopped eggplant and the reserved lamb into the tomato mixture; bring to a simmer. Cover the pan and place it in the oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the rice is tender and th e liquid has been absorbed. Season with salt and pepper. Dot with feta and serve.