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The Recipe · No.1168 · Makdous (Oil-Cured Stuffed Baby Eggplant)

Makdous (Oil-Cured Stuffed Baby Eggplant), and where to source it

Makdous (Oil-Cured Stuffed Baby Eggplant) — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Makdous (Oil-Cured Stuffed Baby Eggplant) Syrian 5best2buy.com

Drain the boiled eggplants under a heavy weight overnight before stuffing, or trapped water dilutes the oil and the whole jar turns and spoils.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep40 min
Cook10 min
Makesone quart jar, about 20 eggplants
CuisineSyrian
Cost$$
VeganGluten-free
Contains  tree nuts
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 20 eggplants
baby eggplants
20 small
1 kg
Source it →
walnuts, chopped
1.5 cups
180 g
Walnuts →
garlic cloves
8
8
Source it →
Aleppo pepper
3 tbsp
20 g
Local / market
red bell pepper, minced
1
1
Local / market
salt
3 tbsp plus more
Local / market
olive oil to submerge
2 cups
480 ml
Source it →
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Squeaky clean
About as virtuous as dinner gets. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Stovetop
The Method
  1. Boil the whole baby eggplants until a knife slides in easily but they still hold shape, about 8 minutes.12 min
  2. Cut a deep lengthwise slit in each, rub the insides with salt, and press under a heavy weight in a colander overnight.10 min
  3. Pound the walnuts, garlic, Aleppo pepper, minced bell pepper and salt into a coarse stuffing.10 min
  4. Pack each drained eggplant full and press the slit closed.10 min
  5. Stand them upright in a clean jar, cover completely with olive oil, and cure at room temperature a week before refrigerating.5 min
The Toolkit

quart glass jar · colander · heavy weight or plate

Straight Answers
Can you make Makdous (Oil-Cured Stuffed Baby Eggplant) in an air fryer? — Sometimes

Sometimes — if the pieces are small and cooked dry, an air fryer can handle it in a single layer; anything saucy or liquid needs a pan. When in doubt, the stovetop or oven is the safe call.

Can you freeze Makdous (Oil-Cured Stuffed Baby Eggplant)? — Yes

Yes — cool it, portion into airtight containers, and freeze; thaw in the fridge and reheat.

Can you make Makdous (Oil-Cured Stuffed Baby Eggplant) ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Makdous (Oil-Cured Stuffed Baby Eggplant) gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Makdous (Oil-Cured Stuffed Baby Eggplant) vegan? — Yes

Yes — no meat, seafood, dairy, egg, or honey in it as written.

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