I have a love-hate relationship with eggplant. Sometimes I love it; sometimes I hate it. But, eating healthy is important, and eggplant is a solid option when you want a meal that's hearty and filling, without meat. This vegetable is high in fiber, copper and B vitamins, so it's worth adding to your menu rotation.
If you're looking for healthy meal ideas, check out one of these eggplant recipes.
1. Baked eggplant parmesan (h/t Andie Mitchell)
My heart belongs to chicken parmesan, but this recipe does the meat-version justice. A tip for making sure you get a crisper texture (as in, it doesn't taste like a soggy mess): salt your eggplant before baking.
My heart belongs to chicken parmesan, but this recipe does the meat-version justice. A tip for making sure you get a crisper texture (as in, it doesn't taste like a soggy mess): salt your eggplant before baking.
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2. Roasted eggplant with spinach, quinoa, and feta (h/t Julia's Album)
This simple recipe tastes healthy, and that's a compliment. The fresh ingredients are lightly flavored with your basic garlic, salt and pepper, and a little feta cheese. It's fresh, and that's refreshing.
This simple recipe tastes healthy, and that's a compliment. The fresh ingredients are lightly flavored with your basic garlic, salt and pepper, and a little feta cheese. It's fresh, and that's refreshing.
3. Eggplant meatballs (h/t Skinny Taste)
I didn't even know it was possible to make "meat" balls out of eggplant, but here you are. After cooking and blending your eggplant, you can mix it with a few other ingredients, form balls and bake them in the oven. Enjoy your spaghetti and meatballs, veggie style.
I didn't even know it was possible to make "meat" balls out of eggplant, but here you are. After cooking and blending your eggplant, you can mix it with a few other ingredients, form balls and bake them in the oven. Enjoy your spaghetti and meatballs, veggie style.
4. Eggplant rollatini (h/t Not Enough Cinnamon)
Anything covered in garlic and cheese makes my list of things to try, and this dish is no different. The final result looks just like a traditional pasta dish. It tastes so good that you'll hardly notice there isn't a hint of noodle on the plate.
Anything covered in garlic and cheese makes my list of things to try, and this dish is no different. The final result looks just like a traditional pasta dish. It tastes so good that you'll hardly notice there isn't a hint of noodle on the plate.
5. Grilled eggplant and spinach salad (h/t Salt and Lavender)
This is a warmer salad, and the eggplant is cooked on the barbecue. The combination of the meaty vegetable with shallots, tomatoes, and spinach results in a fresh summery salad crammed full of flavor.
This is a warmer salad, and the eggplant is cooked on the barbecue. The combination of the meaty vegetable with shallots, tomatoes, and spinach results in a fresh summery salad crammed full of flavor.
6. Eggplant pizza (h/t Eat Good 4 Life)
This pizza dish nails the cheese and tomato. The crust is a toasted slice of eggplant. The eggplant is firm enough to hold all of your ingredients, and it's much healthier than a traditional pizza crust.
This pizza dish nails the cheese and tomato. The crust is a toasted slice of eggplant. The eggplant is firm enough to hold all of your ingredients, and it's much healthier than a traditional pizza crust.
7. Cheesy zucchini bake
I’ve been struggling a little bit with Meatless Monday in my house. I love how cleansing it is to eat meat-free once a week (or more, if I can stand it). But, I keep running out of ideas. After eating risotto for three weeks in a row, I decided it was time to switch it up. I also wanted to keep it grain-free, if possible, so I used all that zucchini from the garden and turned it into “lasagna” noodles. The recipe below is the perfect way to celebrate a meat free, gluten free meal! Get the full recipe here.
I’ve been struggling a little bit with Meatless Monday in my house. I love how cleansing it is to eat meat-free once a week (or more, if I can stand it). But, I keep running out of ideas. After eating risotto for three weeks in a row, I decided it was time to switch it up. I also wanted to keep it grain-free, if possible, so I used all that zucchini from the garden and turned it into “lasagna” noodles. The recipe below is the perfect way to celebrate a meat free, gluten free meal! Get the full recipe here.
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