Dairy-Free Eggplant Parmesan

This Dairy-Free Eggplant Parmesan is a delightful twist on the classic dish, featuring layers of tender eggplant, rich marinara sauce, and a flavorful cashew-based cheese. Baked to perfection, it's a comforting and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• Eggplant - 1 medium, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Marinara sauce - 1 cup
• Cashews - 1/2 cup, soaked in water for 4 hours
• Nutritional yeast - 3 tablespoons
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Basil - 1 teaspoon, dried
• Oregano - 1 teaspoon, dried
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Panko breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup
• Fresh basil leaves - for garnish

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Sprinkle salt on the eggplant slices and let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out moisture. Rinse and pat dry.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant (about 1 minute).
4. Add the marinara sauce to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
5. In a food processor, blend soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, dried basil, oregano, black pepper, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. Add a little water if necessary to achieve a spreadable consistency.
6. In a baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the eggplant slices, followed by half of the cashew cheese mixture, and half of the remaining marinara sauce.
7. Repeat the layers with the remaining eggplant, cashew cheese, and marinara sauce.
8. Top the final layer with panko breadcrumbs and drizzle with a little olive oil.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
10. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants from eggplant, which may help protect against chronic diseases.
• Provides healthy fats and protein from cashews, supporting heart health and muscle maintenance.

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