Savory Eggplant Casserole

This Savory Eggplant Casserole features layers of tender eggplant, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese, creating a comforting and flavorful side dish. Perfect for any meal, this casserole is both hearty and satisfying.

Ingredients

• Eggplant - 1 medium (about 300g)
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Onion - 1 small, diced
• Tomato sauce - 1 cup (240ml)
• Dried oregano - 1 teaspoon
• Fresh basil - 1/4 cup, chopped
• Mozzarella cheese - 1 cup (about 100g), shredded
• Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup (about 25g), grated

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. Slice the eggplant into 1/2 inch 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 diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the eggplant slices to the skillet, seasoning with black pepper. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the eggplant is slightly browned and tender.
5. Stir in the tomato sauce, dried oregano, and fresh basil. Let it cook for another 5 minutes to combine flavors.
6. In a baking dish, layer half of the eggplant mixture, then sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat with the remaining eggplant mixture and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 14 g
• Carbs: 30 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 30 mg
• Total Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants from eggplant and tomatoes, which may help reduce inflammation.
• High in fiber, promoting digestive health and aiding in weight management.

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