Grilled Eggplant Lasagna Delight
Indulge in a delicious and hearty Meatless Grilled Eggplant Lasagna that beautifully layers smoky, grilled eggplant slices with a rich and creamy cheese filling, making it a satisfying one-dish meal without the carbs. This dish is perfect for those looking to enjoy a flavorful lasagna experience without traditional pasta. The combination of fresh and vibrant ingredients allows for endless customization, catering to varying tastes and preferences. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy vegetables while indulging in cheesy goodness, and you’ll love how easy it is to prepare and bake!
N/A
Servings
275
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggplant
1 (peeled and sliced lengthwise)
egg
1 (optional)
mozzarella cheese
1 cup (shredded and divided)
parmesan cheese
1/4 cup
italian seasoning
2 teaspoons (divided)
ricotta cheese
1 cup
marinara sauce
1/8 cup (divided)
garlic
1 (finely minced or pressed)
olive oil
as needed (for brushing)
Instructions
1
Preheat the grill to high heat. Once preheated, reduce the temperature to medium just before placing the eggplant on the grill.
2
Also preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3
Carefully peel the eggplant and slice it lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices. For a rustic touch, consider leaving the skin on or creating stripes for visual appeal.
4
Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of the Italian seasoning. Ensure they are well coated to enhance flavor during grilling.
5
Place the eggplant slices on the preheated grill and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, until tender and grill marks appear.
6
While the eggplant is grilling, in a mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese, the remaining Italian seasoning, egg (if using), parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, 1 teaspoon of marinara sauce, and minced garlic. Mix until well blended.
7
Once grilled, remove the eggplant slices and set aside to cool slightly.
8
Spray a small casserole dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
9
To assemble, drizzle a small amount of marinara sauce at the bottom of the dish. Layer 3 slices of grilled eggplant evenly across the bottom.
10
Spread about a tablespoon of the cheese mixture over each eggplant slice and add a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.
11
Repeat the layers with the remaining eggplant, cheese mixture, and mozzarella, finishing with a final layer of eggplant topped with the remaining marinara sauce and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
12
Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to become bubbly and golden.
13
Once bubbles form and the top is lightly browned, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
17g
Fat
15g
Carbs
15g
Protein
5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grilled Eggplant Lasagna Delight?
It is a meatless, low-carb dish that layers smoky grilled eggplant slices with a rich and creamy cheese filling instead of traditional pasta noodles.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it uses eggplant and cheese instead of meat.
Is this eggplant lasagna low in carbohydrates?
Yes, it is designed as a low-carb meal with 15g of carbohydrates and 5g of fiber per serving.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 275 calories.
What are the main nutritional stats for this recipe?
One serving provides 275 calories, 17g of fat, 15g of carbohydrates, 5g of fiber, and 15g of protein.
How do I prepare the eggplant for this recipe?
Peel the eggplant and slice it lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices before brushing with olive oil and seasoning.
Should I leave the skin on the eggplant?
The recipe suggests peeling the eggplant, but you can leave the skin on or create stripes for a rustic visual touch.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
You should preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What are the grill settings for the eggplant?
Preheat the grill to high heat, then reduce it to medium just before placing the eggplant slices on the grill.
How long does it take to grill the eggplant?
Grill the eggplant slices for about 5 minutes on each side until they are tender and show grill marks.
What goes into the cheese filling mixture?
The filling includes 1/4 cup mozzarella, Italian seasoning, parmesan, ricotta, 1 teaspoon of marinara sauce, minced garlic, and an optional egg.
Is the egg mandatory for the cheese mixture?
No, the egg is listed as an optional ingredient in the cheese mixture.
How much ricotta cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 cup of ricotta cheese.
How much mozzarella cheese do I need?
You will need 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, which is divided for different layers.
How should I prepare the casserole dish?
Spray a small casserole dish with olive oil to prevent the eggplant and cheese from sticking.
How do I assemble the bottom layer of the lasagna?
Drizzle a small amount of marinara sauce at the bottom and layer 3 slices of grilled eggplant evenly.
What is the order of the middle layers?
Spread a tablespoon of the cheese mixture over each eggplant slice and add a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella, then repeat.
How do I finish the top of the lasagna before baking?
Finish with a final layer of eggplant topped with the remaining marinara sauce and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella.
How long does the lasagna need to bake?
The lasagna should bake for a total of 25 minutes.
Do I need to cover the dish while it is in the oven?
Yes, cover the dish with foil for the first 15 minutes, then remove it for the final 10 minutes.
Why should I remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking?
Removing the foil allows the cheese to become bubbly and turn a golden color.
How can I tell when the lasagna is finished cooking?
The dish is ready when bubbles form and the top layer of cheese is lightly browned.
Should I serve the lasagna immediately after baking?
It is recommended to let the lasagna cool slightly before serving to allow the layers to set.
What type of seasoning is used for the flavor profile?
Italian seasoning is used, divided between the eggplant coating and the cheese filling.
How much marinara sauce is required in total?
The recipe uses 1/8 cup of marinara sauce, divided throughout the assembly.
How many eggplant slices are used per layer?
The recipe calls for 3 slices of grilled eggplant to be used in each layer.
Is this recipe considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is a hearty and satisfying one-dish meal that combines vegetables and protein.
Can I customize this recipe?
Yes, the combination of ingredients allows for customization based on personal tastes and preferences.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 17 grams of fat in each serving.
How many grams of protein are in this meal?
This recipe provides 15 grams of protein per serving.