Heart-Healthy Eggplant Delight Casserole
Elevate your meals with this Heart-Healthy Eggplant Delight Casserole, a nourishing dish inspired by Pennsylvania Dutch traditions. Crafted to support a balanced diet, this casserole beautifully blends fresh vegetables and wholesome ingredients while keeping it low in fat and rich in flavor. Featuring tender eggplant and hearty mushrooms, this recipe utilizes vibrant tomatoes and zesty seasonings to create a delicious meal without the guilt. Perfect for those mindful of their waistlines, this dish meets the AHA/Diabetic Exchange guidelines, ensuring that every bite is nutritious and satisfying. Feel free to customize it with seasonal zucchini or squash for an extra twist, and substitute tomato juice for a spaghetti sauce to suit your palate. Enjoy as a solo dish or alongside your favorite protein, making it a versatile option for any occasion. Prepare this comforting casserole for yourself or share it with family and friends; either way, it's sure to impress. Leftovers are great for meals throughout the week; store them for up to four days.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
1 (tablespoon)
Eggplant
1 (cubed)
Mushrooms
1 (cup, whole)
Tomato juice
1/2 (cup)
Tomatoes
2 (large, diced)
Salt-free all-purpose seasoning
1 1/2 (teaspoons)
Salt
1 (teaspoon)
Onion
1 (diced (optional))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and gather all the ingredients, preparing the vegetables as needed.
2
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, cubed eggplant, whole mushrooms, and McCormick's salt-free all-purpose seasoning. Toss until all vegetables are evenly coated with oil and seasoning.
3
Transfer the seasoned vegetable mixture into an ungreased baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
4
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the eggplant and mushrooms to soften and develop flavor.
5
While the vegetables are roasting, prepare the tomato mixture by combining diced tomatoes, tomato juice, salt, and diced onion (if using) in a separate medium bowl. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
6
After 30 minutes of baking, carefully remove the pan from the oven and pour the tomato mixture evenly over the roasted eggplant mixture.
7
Return the baking pan to the oven and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until everything is heated through and the flavors meld beautifully.
8
Once finished, allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to enhance the flavors and make it easier to handle.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main vegetable in this Heart-Healthy Eggplant Delight Casserole?
The main vegetable used in this recipe is cubed eggplant.
Is this eggplant casserole recipe heart-healthy?
Yes, the recipe is designed to be heart-healthy, low in fat, and follows AHA guidelines.
How long does the Heart-Healthy Eggplant Delight Casserole need to bake in total?
The casserole takes a total of 60 minutes to bake: 30 minutes for the initial roasting and another 30 minutes after adding the tomato mixture.
What is the oven temperature for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
Can I substitute other vegetables into this casserole?
Yes, you can customize the dish by adding or substituting seasonal zucchini or squash.
Is this recipe suitable for individuals following a diabetic diet?
Yes, this dish meets Diabetic Exchange guidelines and is crafted for a balanced diet.
What can I use as a substitute for tomato juice?
You can substitute tomato juice with your favorite spaghetti sauce for a different flavor profile.
How long can leftovers be stored in the refrigerator?
Leftovers can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Is the Heart-Healthy Eggplant Delight Casserole vegetarian?
Yes, this is a vegetarian dish featuring eggplant, mushrooms, and tomatoes.
Do I need to grease the baking pan?
No, the instructions specify transferring the seasoned vegetable mixture into an ungreased baking pan.
What seasoning is recommended for this eggplant dish?
The recipe calls for McCormick's salt-free all-purpose seasoning.
Does this recipe include salt?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 teaspoon of salt in the tomato mixture.
How many tomatoes are required for the recipe?
The recipe requires two large tomatoes that have been diced.
What are the serving suggestions for this casserole?
It can be enjoyed as a solo vegetarian dish or served alongside your favorite protein.
What is the cultural inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Pennsylvania Dutch traditions.
How much olive oil is used in the casserole?
The recipe uses one tablespoon of olive oil to coat the vegetables.
What type of mushrooms should be used?
The recipe calls for one cup of whole mushrooms.
Are the vegetables seasoned before or after roasting?
The eggplant and mushrooms are tossed with oil and seasoning before the initial 30-minute roasting period.
Is the onion mandatory in this eggplant casserole?
No, the diced onion is an optional ingredient in the tomato mixture.
Why is it recommended to let the casserole cool before serving?
Allowing it to cool slightly helps enhance the flavors and makes the dish easier to handle.
Can I use spaghetti sauce instead of tomato juice?
Yes, the description suggests substituting tomato juice for spaghetti sauce to suit your palate.
What are the primary tags associated with this recipe?
Key tags include eggplant, casserole, low fat, diabetic-friendly, vegetarian, and heart-healthy.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients in total, including the optional onion.
Is this a good recipe for weight management?
Yes, it is described as being perfect for those mindful of their waistlines due to its low-fat content.
What is the first step in preparing the tomato mixture?
While the vegetables roast, combine diced tomatoes, tomato juice, salt, and onion in a bowl.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and involves simple roasting and assembly steps.
How much salt-free seasoning should be used?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt-free all-purpose seasoning.
Can this meal be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, since leftovers store well for 4 days, it is a great option for meal prep.
What type of dish is this?
It is a one-dish meal categorized as a vegetable casserole.
How much tomato juice is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of tomato juice.