Stuffed dried vegetables are an important part of Turkish cuisine. The dried eggplants are filled with rice, lentils, minced meat, and spices. This filling is then baked with the dried vegetables, resulting in a hearty, spicy, and filling meal.
This method of preparation was created for practical reasons, as dried vegetables have a long shelf life and ensured a tasty dinner even when fresh vegetables were unavailable. Stuffed dried vegetables are a common dish in Turkish cuisine nowadays, often served on special occasions or during festivals.