Deliciously Healthy Turkey Eggplant Parmesan
This scrumptious Baked Eggplant Parmesan recipe comes from my husband's beloved Aunt Annalee, who hails from the culinary heart of St. Louis. As my husband is lactose intolerant, I adapted the classic dish by using soy mozzarella cheese, resulting in a delightful yet health-conscious meal the whole family can enjoy. Not only is this dish packed with flavor, but it's also incredibly filling and perfect for gatherings with friends. They often can't even tell the difference! While we prefer using ground turkey for a leaner option, for our vegetarian friends, soy crumbles make a fantastic substitute. Enjoy this hearty and satisfying one-dish meal, perfect for a family dinner or a potluck event!
4-6
Servings
300
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (For sautéing and greasing baking sheets)
Chopped onion
1/2 cup (Finely chopped)
Garlic clove
1 (Minced)
Ground turkey
1/2 lb (Raw)
Italian tomatoes
1 (28 oz) can (Crushed or diced)
Tomato paste
1 (6 oz) can (Raw)
Dried oregano
2 teaspoons (Dried)
Dried basil
1 teaspoon (Dried)
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (To taste)
Pepper
1/3 teaspoon (To taste)
Brown sugar
1 tablespoon (Raw)
Large eggplant
1 (Sliced into rounds)
Eggs
2 (Slightly beaten)
Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (Raw)
Soy mozzarella cheese
1 (8 oz) package (Shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a pie plate, whisk together the eggs and 1 tablespoon of water until well combined. In another pie plate, place the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs.
3
Dip each eggplant slice into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated, followed by coating it thoroughly with the breadcrumbs. Place the coated slices on a greased baking sheet (I recommend using olive oil spray).
4
Bake the eggplant in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, turning the slices halfway through for even cooking.
5
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for about 3 minutes until fragrant. Add the ground turkey and cook for an additional 2 minutes until it's browned.
6
Stir in the canned Italian tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
7
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
8
In a 9x13 inch baking dish, arrange half of the baked eggplant slices in a single layer at the bottom.
9
Spread a layer of the turkey sauce over the eggplant slices, followed by a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layer with the remaining eggplant slices, more sauce, and finish with a final layer of mozzarella cheese on top.
10
Bake uncovered in the oven for an additional 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
11
Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your deliciously healthy turkey eggplant parmesan!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Deliciously Healthy Turkey Eggplant Parmesan.
Who is the original source of this recipe?
The recipe was inspired by Aunt Annalee from St. Louis.
Is this Eggplant Parmesan recipe lactose-free?
Yes, it is adapted for those who are lactose intolerant by using soy mozzarella cheese.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can easily make this vegetarian by substituting the ground turkey with soy crumbles.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 15 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this dish?
This dish contains 10 grams of fat per serving.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 to 6 servings.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long should the eggplant slices be baked initially?
The eggplant slices should be baked for 20 minutes, turning them halfway through.
What size baking dish should be used for layering?
A 9x13 inch baking dish is recommended for layering the eggplant and sauce.
How long does the turkey sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer for 45 minutes to develop its flavor.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
An 8 oz package of shredded soy mozzarella cheese is used.
What is the primary meat ingredient?
The recipe uses 1/2 lb of raw ground turkey.
How do you prepare the eggplant for coating?
The eggplant should be sliced into rounds before being dipped in egg and breadcrumbs.
What is the purpose of the brown sugar in the sauce?
One tablespoon of brown sugar is added to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
What spices are used to season the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
Is this a good dish for potlucks?
Yes, it is described as a perfect one-dish meal for potluck events and gatherings.
How many eggs are needed for the breading process?
Two slightly beaten large eggs are needed.
What type of tomatoes should be used?
A 28 oz can of Italian tomatoes, either crushed or diced, is required.
How long is the final baking time after layering?
The dish should be baked uncovered for an additional 25 minutes.
How much garlic is needed?
One minced garlic clove is used in the sauce.
What kind of breadcrumbs are recommended?
1/2 cup of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs should be used.
Should the baking dish be covered while in the oven?
No, the dish should be baked uncovered to allow the cheese to become bubbly and golden.
How much olive oil is used for sautéing?
Two tablespoons of olive oil are used for sautéing the onion and garlic.
How do I know when the final dish is done?
The dish is ready when the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden on top.
Is tomato paste required for the sauce?
Yes, one 6 oz can of tomato paste is included in the sauce mixture.
How long should I let the dish cool before serving?
You should let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Does the eggplant need to be fried?
No, this is a healthier version where the eggplant is baked instead of fried.
What are some tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include one dish meal, eggplant, parmesan, turkey, healthy, and comfort food.