Baked Eggplant Rice

Baked Eggplant Rice is a delicious and low-carb Lebanese dish that combines the earthy flavors of roasted eggplant with aromatic spices and cauliflower rice. This healthy alternative offers a satisfying meal that is both flavorful and nourishing.

Ingredients

• Eggplant - 1 medium (about 300g)
• Cauliflower rice - 200g
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Ground cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Ground coriander - 1 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Slice the eggplant into 1 cm thick rounds and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to draw out moisture, then rinse and pat dry.
3. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the cauliflower rice, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the cauliflower is tender. Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley and lemon juice.
5. On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, arrange the eggplant slices in a single layer. Brush both sides with the remaining olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake the eggplant in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and tender.
7. To serve, layer the cauliflower rice mixture on a plate and top with the baked eggplant slices. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 5 g
• Carbs: 15 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those following a low-carb diet.
• Rich in dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and helps maintain a feeling of fullness.

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