Healthy Herb-Infused Eggplant Parmesan
Experience a lighter take on the classic Italian favorite with this Healthy Herb-Infused Eggplant Parmesan! This dish offers the rich flavors of sun-ripened tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and a blend of herbs that perfectly complements the tender layers of eggplant. Ideal for a nourishing dinner alongside whole wheat pasta, this recipe allows you to savor all the taste with none of the guilt. Plus, it's easy to customize; simply swap in vegetable bouillon granules for a delightful vegetarian version.
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggplant
1 lb (sliced & peeled)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Garlic Powder
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Tomato Sauce
8 ounces (for layering)
Garlic Cloves
2 (minced)
Italian Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon (for flavor)
Oregano
1/2 teaspoon (for flavor)
Chicken Bouillon Granule
1/2 teaspoon (for flavor (use vegetable bouillon for vegetarian version))
Mozzarella Cheese
1/4 cup (shredded for topping)
Parmesan Cheese
2 tablespoons (grated for topping)
Olive Oil Flavored Cooking Spray
as needed (for spraying eggplant and baking sheet)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Prepare the eggplant by peeling and slicing it into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
3
Lightly spray both sides of each eggplant slice with olive oil flavored cooking spray and place them in a single layer on a prepared baking sheet.
4
Sprinkle the eggplant slices with half of the salt and garlic powder evenly.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, flipping the eggplant halfway through to ensure even cooking.
6
While the eggplant is baking, heat a saucepan over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic in a small amount of cooking spray until it becomes lightly browned and fragrant.
7
Add the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, oregano, and chicken (or vegetable) bouillon granule to the pan. Stir to combine.
8
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the sauce simmer gently while the eggplant finishes baking.
9
Once the eggplant is tender and golden, remove it from the oven and set aside.
10
In a small baking dish, spread a thin layer of the garlic-infused tomato sauce on the bottom. Start layering by adding a layer of eggplant followed by a layer of sauce. Repeat this process until all the eggplant slices are used, finishing with a top layer of sauce.
11
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the final layer of sauce.
12
Return the dish to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, approximately 10-15 minutes.
13
Let cool slightly before serving, and enjoy your Healthy Herb-Infused Eggplant Parmesan!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Healthy Herb-Infused Eggplant Parmesan?
It is a lighter take on the classic Italian favorite that uses baked eggplant, aromatic herbs, and savory tomato sauce to provide a nourishing meal with less fat.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 2 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
How thick should I slice the eggplant?
The eggplant should be sliced into rounds that are approximately 1/2-inch thick.
Should I peel the eggplant?
Yes, the instructions recommend peeling the eggplant before slicing it into rounds.
How long does the eggplant bake initially?
The eggplant slices should bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
Do I need to flip the eggplant slices while baking?
Yes, you should flip the eggplant slices halfway through the 20-minute baking time to ensure even cooking.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
It can be made vegetarian by simply using vegetable bouillon granules instead of chicken bouillon.
What herbs are used in the sauce?
The sauce is infused with Italian seasoning and oregano for a classic Mediterranean flavor.
What kind of oil is used?
This recipe uses olive oil flavored cooking spray to minimize fat while maintaining flavor.
How much eggplant do I need?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of eggplant.
How do I prepare the garlic for the sauce?
You should mince two garlic cloves and sauté them in a saucepan until they are lightly browned and fragrant.
What are the main seasonings for the eggplant?
The eggplant slices are seasoned with salt and garlic powder before baking.
How much tomato sauce is required?
You will need 8 ounces of tomato sauce for this recipe.
How do I assemble the dish?
Spread a thin layer of sauce in a baking dish, then alternate layers of eggplant and sauce, finishing with a final layer of sauce and cheese.
What cheeses are used for the topping?
The dish is topped with 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella and 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
How long is the final bake time after assembly?
The assembled dish should bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Why is bouillon added to the sauce?
Bouillon granules are added to the tomato sauce to enhance the depth of flavor.
Can I serve this with pasta?
Yes, it is highly recommended to serve this dish alongside whole wheat pasta.
Is this recipe considered low fat?
Yes, by using cooking spray and baking instead of frying, it is a low-fat version of the traditional dish.
How much Italian seasoning is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
How much oregano is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of oregano.
Does the sauce need to be simmered?
Yes, after combining the ingredients, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer while the eggplant finishes baking.
How much salt should I use?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of salt to season the eggplant slices.
How much garlic powder is used?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder to season the eggplant slices.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 11 ingredients used in this recipe.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to let the dish cool slightly before serving for the best texture.
Is the garlic sautéed in oil?
The garlic is sautéed using a small amount of cooking spray rather than liquid oil.
Can I use a larger baking dish?
A small baking dish is best for 2 servings to ensure the layers of eggplant and sauce are thick enough.
What is the texture of the eggplant when done?
The eggplant should be tender and golden after the initial bake and then soft and infused with sauce after the final bake.