Lightened Eggplant Parmesan Delight
Indulge in the comforting flavors of classic Eggplant Parmesan with a healthier twist! This recipe features tender roasted eggplant slices layered with a rich, homemade tomato sauce, infused with fragrant herbs, and topped with gooey melted mozzarella. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or light snack, it's sure to become a weekly staple in your kitchen. Serve with crusty Italian bread rubbed with roasted garlic and a crisp Caesar salad for an unforgettable meal that will leave your loved ones begging for more! A delicious way to enjoy veggies and cut down on fat without sacrificing flavor.
4
Servings
150
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggplant
1 large (sliced into 1/2 inch thick rounds)
tomato sauce
4-6 ounces (prepared, your choice of store-bought or homemade)
dried basil
1 teaspoon (dried)
minced garlic
1 teaspoon (freshly minced)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (dried)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
fresh herbs
optional (chopped (basil, oregano, parsley, etc.))
fat free mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
reduced-fat mozzarella cheese
1 cup (shredded)
olive oil cooking spray
to coat (for baking)
low-fat parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2
Lightly spray a baking sheet with olive oil cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3
Slice the eggplant into 1/2-inch rounds and season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
4
Arrange the eggplant slices on the prepared baking sheet, then spray the tops with a light coating of olive oil spray.
5
Bake the eggplant in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and lightly golden.
6
While the eggplant is baking, combine the tomato sauce, dried basil, minced garlic, and dried oregano in a small saucepan. Simmer over low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.
7
Once the eggplant is done, remove it from the oven and spread a spoonful of the heated tomato sauce over each slice. If using, sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs.
8
Top each slice of eggplant with a generous amount of fat-free mozzarella cheese followed by a layer of reduced-fat mozzarella.
9
Return the assembled eggplant to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden finish, you may place it under the broiler for a minute or two, but watch closely to avoid burning.
10
Finally, sprinkle with low-fat parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy your delicious, lighter Eggplant Parmesan!
Nutrition Information
3.75g
Fat
16.25g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lightened Eggplant Parmesan Delight?
It is a healthier version of the classic Italian dish featuring roasted eggplant slices layered with homemade tomato sauce and melted mozzarella.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian dish as it uses eggplant and cheese without any meat products.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving of this Lightened Eggplant Parmesan contains approximately 150 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 3.75 grams of fat per serving in this recipe.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 16.25 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this dish provide per serving?
This recipe provides 7.5 grams of protein per serving.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
How thick should the eggplant be sliced?
The eggplant should be sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
How long should I bake the eggplant slices initially?
Bake the eggplant slices for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are tender and lightly golden.
What ingredients are used for the tomato sauce?
The sauce is a combination of tomato sauce, dried basil, minced garlic, and dried oregano simmered over low heat.
How do I prevent the eggplant from sticking to the pan?
Lightly spray a baking sheet with olive oil cooking spray before placing the eggplant slices on it.
What types of cheese are required for this recipe?
This recipe uses fat-free mozzarella, reduced-fat mozzarella, and low-fat parmesan cheese.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
Can I use store-bought tomato sauce?
Yes, you can use 4-6 ounces of your choice of store-bought or homemade tomato sauce.
Are there any optional ingredients I can add?
Yes, you can optionally include chopped fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, or parsley.
How long is the final baking step once the cheese is added?
Return the eggplant to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How can I achieve a golden finish on the cheese?
You may place the dish under the broiler for a minute or two, watching closely to avoid burning.
What type of garlic is recommended for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of freshly minced garlic.
What side dishes are recommended with this eggplant parmesan?
It is suggested to serve this with crusty Italian bread rubbed with roasted garlic and a crisp Caesar salad.
What is the recipe category for this dish?
This dish is categorized under Lunch/Snacks.
What seasonings are used for the eggplant slices?
The slices are seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
How many total ingredients are needed?
There are 12 specific ingredients listed for this recipe.
Is this recipe considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food, providing classic flavors in a healthier way.
When should the parmesan cheese be added?
The low-fat parmesan cheese should be sprinkled over the dish just before serving.
What is the purpose of flipping the eggplant halfway through baking?
Flipping ensures that both sides of the eggplant rounds become tender and cook evenly.
Is this dish suitable for those looking for low-fat options?
Yes, the recipe specifically uses fat-free and reduced-fat cheeses and olive oil spray to keep the fat content low.
Can this dish be served as a snack?
Yes, its category and description suggest it is perfect for either a satisfying lunch or a light snack.
What specific herbs are mentioned in the tags or ingredients?
Dried basil, dried oregano, and optional fresh herbs like parsley are mentioned.
What should I do immediately after the eggplant is removed from the oven for the first time?
Spread a spoonful of the heated tomato sauce over each slice and sprinkle with fresh herbs if using.
Is the eggplant fried or roasted?
The eggplant is roasted in the oven, which is a healthier alternative to the traditional frying method.