Eggplant and Tomato Casserole

This Eggplant and Tomato Casserole is a hearty and flavorful low-carb dish that combines layers of tender eggplant with rich, savory tomatoes. Perfect for a comforting meal, it's both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients

• Eggplant - 1 medium (about 300g)
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Onion - 1 small, diced
• Canned diced tomatoes - 400g (14 oz), drained
• Fresh basil - 10g, chopped
• Mozzarella cheese - 100g, shredded
• Parmesan cheese - 30g, grated
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Slice the eggplant into 1/2 cm thick rounds, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
3. Rinse the eggplant slices and pat them dry with paper towels.
4. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the canned diced tomatoes, chopped basil, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir and let simmer for 5 minutes.
6. In a separate pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the eggplant slices and cook until golden brown on both sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
7. In a baking dish, layer half of the eggplant slices, followed by half of the tomato mixture, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat with the remaining eggplant, tomato mixture, and top with the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 290
• Protein: 14 g
• Carbs: 12 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Cholesterol: 30 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.4 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants from tomatoes and eggplant, which may help reduce inflammation.
• Low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb diets and promoting weight management.

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