Eggplant and Mozzarella Casserole with Garlic

This Eggplant and Mozzarella Casserole with Garlic is a delightful low-carb dish that combines tender eggplant with rich mozzarella cheese and aromatic garlic, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. Perfect for a cozy supper, this casserole is both tasty and healthy, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.

Ingredients

• Eggplant - 1 medium (about 300g)
• Mozzarella cheese - 150g, shredded
• Parmesan cheese - 30g, grated
• Garlic - 4 cloves, minced
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Dried oregano - 1 teaspoon
• Fresh basil - 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional)
• Crushed red pepper flakes - 1/4 teaspoon (optional)

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. Slice the eggplant into 1 cm thick rounds and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for 15 minutes to draw out moisture, then rinse and pat dry.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the eggplant slices to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and tender. Season with black pepper, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes.
5. In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked eggplant slices, followed by half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan.
6. Repeat the layers with the remaining eggplant, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
9. Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 18 g
• Carbs: 12 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Cholesterol: 40 mg
• Total Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Eggplants are low in calories and high in fiber, which promotes healthy digestion.
• Mozzarella cheese provides a good source of protein and calcium, supporting muscle health and bone strength.

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