Eggplant seems to get “pigeonholed” into just a couple of recipes: Eggplant Parmesan and ratatouille, the classic French vegetable stew. But this cousin to tomatoes and peppers is a versatile ingredient that can play a starring or supporting role in a wide range of healthy dishes.
The most familiar type of eggplant is large, bulb-shaped and deep purple, but you may find long, thin varieties and small round ones. They may be bright green or white or lighter purple, sometimes with white streaks. Whichever kind you buy, bear in mind that smaller eggplant are more tender, sweeter and less seedy than larger ones.
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We’ve gathered 11 simple ideas for enjoying eggplant in summer, when it’s at the peak of freshness. It’s a non-starchy vegetable, so you can eat as much of it as you want while staying on track with your Nutrisystem weight loss plan. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a cup of cubed eggplant has just 20 calories, but provides you with 2.5 grams of fiber and a significant amount of potassium. Eggplant is especially rich in flavonoids, specifically anthocyanins, compounds in vegetables that help protect your health.
Ready to start taking advantage of all that eggplant has to offer? You’ll love these quick and easy eggplant recipes during these hot summer days.
1. Thai Eggplant Pizza >
These personal pizzas start with a base of thick eggplant slices cooked to firmness. They’re topped with layers of chopped chicken, real mozzarella cheese and vegetable slices, and flavored with a fast-and-easy spicy peanut sauce.
Count As: 1 PowerFuel and 1 Extra
2. Roasted Garlic Eggplant Pizza >
Two kinds of cheese and four cloves of garlic atop eggplant rounds make this quick dish deliciously gooey. One serving includes two of these tasty pizzas and just 104 calories total.
Count As: 1 PowerFuel
3. Air Fried Eggplant Poppers >
Whether it’s party time or you’re just hungry for a healthy snack, you’ll enjoy these tasty little bites. The air fryer makes them crispy on the outside, warm and tender inside, and free of excess grease all around.
Count As: 1 PowerFuel, 1 SmartCarb and 1 Vegetable
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Read More4. Eggplant Margherita Pizza >
Filled with the flavors of a classic Margherita Pizza, this Eggplant Margherita Pizza lessens the carb-load and slims down the waistline.
Count As: 1 PowerFuel and Vegetable
5. Ricotta Pesto Eggplant Pizza >
Sweet and savory flavors complement each other atop the base of thick eggplant slices on these delectable personal pizzas. Figs and creamy ricotta cheese blend deliciously with the zesty pesto to light up all of your taste buds in every bite.
Count as: ½ PowerFuel, 1 Vegetable and 3 Extras
6. Sausage and Pepper Eggplant Pizza >
If you love a meaty topping on your pizza, fire up your oven for this hearty flex meal. Chicken sausage is high in flavor and satisfaction, but low in calories, so you can enjoy two of these filling pies in one serving.
Count As: 2 PowerFuels and 1/2 Vegetable
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Read More7. Roasted Red Pepper Eggplant Pizza >
This variation on eggplant-based pizza features the Middle Eastern flavors of feta cheese and hummus, plus the sweet, fire-kissed taste of roasted red peppers. Better yet, these pizzas are ready to eat in just 40 minutes from start to first bite.
Count As: 1 PowerFuel, 1 SmartCarb and 1 Extra
8. 3-Ingredient Eggplant Fries >
Yes, you can enjoy fries while staying on track to your weight-loss goal with this super simple recipe. All you do is slice up the eggplant into “fry-shaped” strips, add a little seasoning, and bake until crisp. Finger-licking encouraged!
Count as: 1 Vegetable
9. 5-Ingredient Eggplant Parmesan >
We took the most popular eggplant dish and gave it a healthy makeover, reducing the calories while amping up the flavor. You still get the real mozzarella cheese and tasty marinara sauce you love, but none of the excess fats and simple carbohydrates that weigh you down.
Count As: 1 PowerFuel, 1 Vegetable and 1 Extra
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Read More10. Easy Eggplant Bruschetta >
Three easy steps are all it takes to make this fresh appetizer you can enjoy yourself or share with family and friends. Instead of bread, the tomato-and-feta cheese topping rests atop thick slices of hearty eggplant.
Count As: 1 PowerFuel, 1 Vegetable and 1 Extra
11. Balsamic Eggplant Chips >
With a handy food dehydrator you can turn nutritious eggplant slices into crispy chips that make a satisfying snack. We added balsamic vinegar for a touch of sweetness without excess sugar.
Count As: 1 Vegetable and 1 Extra
The post 11 Easy Eggplant Recipes for Your Summer Menu appeared first on The Leaf.
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