Enchilada-Inspired Cheesy Aubergine Bake
This Enchilada-Inspired Cheesy Aubergine Bake is a delightful twist on traditional enchiladas, offering a delicious, hearty meal that's both flavorful and healthy. The star ingredient, eggplant, is baked to perfection and layered with a savory tomato and chili sauce featuring green onions and black olives. Topped with reduced-fat cheddar cheese, this dish melts into a creamy, cheesy goodness that's irresistible! Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, it pairs beautifully with a fresh, undressed salad and, if you'd like, a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess. Whether you keep it simple or spice it up with jalapeños or add extra protein, this dish is versatile enough to satisfy any craving. Enjoy the mix of textures and flavors in every bite!
N/A
Servings
133
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggplants
1 1/2-2 lbs (unpeeled and cut into 1/2 inch slices)
Tomato sauce
15 ounces
Diced mild green chilies
4 ounces
Green onion
1/2 cup (sliced)
Ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon
Garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon
Sliced black olives
2 1/4 ounces (drained)
Reduced-fat cheddar cheese
6 ounces (shredded (about 1 1/2 cups))
Cooking spray
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2
Prepare a baking sheet by spraying it lightly with cooking spray.
3
Arrange the eggplant slices on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer and spray the tops with additional cooking spray. Bake for 15 to 25 minutes, or until the slices are soft when pressed.
4
While the eggplant is baking, prepare the sauce: In a small pot, combine the tomato sauce, diced mild green chilies, sliced green onions, ground cumin, garlic powder, and drained black olives. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
5
Once the eggplant is done, lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
6
In a shallow 1 1/2 quart baking dish, arrange half of the baked eggplant slices in a single layer. Spoon half of the prepared sauce over the eggplant, then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining cheese on top.
7
Bake the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes, or until it is heated through and bubbly.
8
If desired, top with sour cream before serving.
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
15g
Carbs
6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main vegetable used in the Enchilada-Inspired Cheesy Aubergine Bake?
The main vegetable used in this recipe is eggplant (aubergine), which is sliced into 1/2 inch rounds and baked until soft.
Is this aubergine bake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat and uses cheese and vegetable-based ingredients.
How many calories are in one serving of this dish?
There are approximately 133 calories per serving of the Enchilada-Inspired Cheesy Aubergine Bake.
What temperature should I set the oven for the initial eggplant roasting?
The oven should be preheated to 450°F (230°C) for the first stage of baking the eggplant slices.
Do I need to peel the eggplants before slicing?
No, the recipe specifies using unpeeled eggplants cut into 1/2 inch slices.
How long does the eggplant need to bake initially?
The eggplant slices should bake for 15 to 25 minutes until they are soft when pressed.
What ingredients are in the savory sauce?
The sauce consists of tomato sauce, diced mild green chilies, sliced green onions, ground cumin, garlic powder, and drained black olives.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer uncovered for 10 minutes over medium-low heat.
What is the second oven temperature used for the final bake?
Once the eggplant is roasted, the oven temperature should be lowered to 350°F (175°C) for the final assembly bake.
What type of cheese is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
How much fat is in this aubergine bake?
This dish contains 4g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 15g of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this recipe provide?
The dish provides 6g of protein per serving.
What size baking dish is needed for this recipe?
A shallow 1 1/2 quart baking dish is recommended for layering the ingredients.
How many layers should I make when assembling the bake?
You should create two main layers: use half the eggplant, half the sauce, and half the cheese for the first layer, then repeat with the remaining halves.
How long does the assembled dish bake in the oven?
The dish should bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes until it is heated through and bubbly.
Can I add jalapeños to this dish?
Yes, the description suggests you can spice it up with jalapeños if desired.
Is it possible to add meat or extra protein to this bake?
Yes, you can add extra protein to satisfy your cravings while maintaining the versatility of the dish.
What are the recommended toppings for serving?
The recipe suggests topping the bake with a dollop of sour cream if desired.
What are some good side dishes to serve with this bake?
It pairs beautifully with a fresh, undressed salad.
What spices give this bake its enchilada-inspired flavor?
The flavor comes from the combination of ground cumin, garlic powder, and mild green chilies.
How much eggplant is required for this recipe?
You will need between 1 1/2 to 2 lbs of eggplants.
Are olives a mandatory part of the sauce?
The recipe includes 2 1/4 ounces of sliced black olives in the sauce for added flavor and texture.
Is this recipe considered a low-fat meal?
Yes, with only 4g of fat and the use of reduced-fat cheese, it is categorized as a low-fat and healthy option.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including the cooking spray.
What is the preparation method for the green onions?
The green onions should be sliced before being added to the sauce mixture.
Does the eggplant need to be salted before baking?
The instructions do not require salting; simply spray the slices with cooking spray and roast them directly.
Is the sauce spicy?
The recipe uses diced mild green chilies, providing a flavorful but generally mild heat profile.
What category of food does this recipe fall into?
This is a vegetarian, Mexican-inspired casserole or baked dish.
How do you know when the final bake is finished?
The dish is ready when the cheese is melted, the sauce is bubbly, and the entire bake is heated through.