Eggplant and Tomato Bake

This Eggplant and Tomato Bake is a vibrant Moroccan-inspired dish that combines roasted eggplant with a rich tomato sauce and spices, served on a crispy base. It's an inviting, dairy-free alternative to pizza that bursts with flavor and aroma.

Ingredients

• Eggplant - 1 medium (about 250g)
• Tomato puree - 150g
• Red bell pepper - 1 medium, diced
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Chickpea flour - 100g
• Water - 150ml

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Slice the eggplant into 1 cm thick rounds, sprinkle with salt, and let it sit for 15 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 chopped onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
5. Add the diced red bell pepper, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes.
6. Stir in the tomato puree and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
7. In a bowl, mix the chickpea flour with water to form a thick batter. Spread it evenly on a baking tray lined with parchment paper to form a base.
8. Layer the eggplant slices over the chickpea batter, then pour the tomato sauce mixture evenly on top.
9. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the eggplant is tender and the edges are golden brown.
11. Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, slice, and serve warm.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.4 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants from eggplant and tomatoes, promoting heart health.
• High in dietary fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting satiety.

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