Pasta with Grilled Eggplant

Pasta with Grilled Eggplant is a vibrant and healthy Moroccan-inspired dish that combines the smoky flavor of grilled eggplant with al dente pasta, fresh herbs, and a hint of spices. This meal is not only satisfying but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for a light yet hearty dinner.

Ingredients

• Pasta (preferably whole wheat) - 200 grams
• Eggplant - 1 medium (about 300 grams)
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Cherry tomatoes - 150 grams, halved
• Red bell pepper - 1 medium, diced
• Cumin powder - 1 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Fresh mint - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Lemon - 1, juiced

Steps

1. Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium heat.
2. Slice the eggplant into 1 cm thick rounds and brush both sides with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the eggplant slices for about 4-5 minutes on each side until tender and slightly charred. Remove from the grill and set aside.
4. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Add diced red bell pepper and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
7. Stir in the cumin and paprika, cooking for an additional minute. Then, add the grilled eggplant slices.
8. Combine the cooked pasta with the vegetable mixture in the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
9. Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley, mint, and lemon juice. Serve warm.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 65 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.25 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in dietary fiber which aids in digestion.
• Packed with antioxidants from eggplant and tomatoes, supporting overall health.

Tags