Big Belle’s Spam Slippers

If you’re sick of the traditional turkey on Christmas day, and even more sick of turkey for the next month, then why not try my Spam Slippers.

I’ll admit, it’s a fair stretch from tradition, but if you fancy being rebellious but creative at the same time…then read on…

Preparation time: 25 minutes, plus standing.

Cooking time: 35 minutes.

Serves: 4

You’ve got to love this already.  Just look at the time you’ll be saving on Xmas day.

2 large aubergines/eggplants

1/2 tablespoon of olive oil

salt and pepper

Filling:

2 tablespoons of olive oil

2 onions, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

2 large tomatoes, skinned and chopped

340 g / 12 oz of SPAM

1 teaspoon of paprika

1 tablespoon of chopped coriander

Topping:

4 tablespoons of soft breadcrumbs

4 table spoons of grated cheddar cheese

Garnish:

tomato slices

coriander sprigs

Halve the aubergines/eggplants lengthways, and then run a knife around the edges about 5mm to a 1/4 of an inch from the skins. Sprinkle with salt and leave for 30 minutes. Drain away the liquid, rinse in cold water and dry well. Also, Brush the cut services with the 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil.

Put the aubergines into a dish, cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven, 200 degrees Centigrade/400 degrees Fahrenheit/Gas Mark 6, for 20 minutes. Scoop out the soft centre part of the aubergines, and mash it.

Meanwhile, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan, add the onions and cook for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and tomatoes and cook for a further 10 minutes. Finely chop 3/4’s of the SPAM and add it to the saucepan with the paprika, coriander, aubergine pulp and salt and pepper to taste. Spoon the filling into the aubergine shells and top with breadcrumbs and cheese. Return to the oven for 15 minutes, then serve garnished with the tomato slices, strips of the remaining SPAM and coriander sprigs.

by Big Belle

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