Eggplant Parmesan is one of the most delicious Italian dishes, but unfortunately, it can also be a very calorie-dense meal. However, with some simple adjustments, you can make a low-calorie version that tastes just as great!
Ingredients
To make this dish, you will need:
- 1 large eggplant, sliced into 1/4 inch thick slices
- 1 cup of plain breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 cup of marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
To make this delicious dish, first preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Next, prepare three shallow bowls. In one bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. In the second bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. In the third bowl, pour some warm water.
Dip each eggplant slice into the water, then into the oil mixture, and then into the breadcrumb mixture. Place the eggplant slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the eggplant slices in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, flipping them over halfway through. Once done, remove from the oven and let cool.
Spread the marinara sauce on the eggplant slices and then sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese. Place the baking sheet back in the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Once done, remove from the oven and let cool. Serve hot with a side salad or some crusty bread.
Tips for Making Low-Calorie Eggplant Parmesan
- Instead of frying the eggplant slices, baking them in the oven is a healthier and lower-calorie alternative.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add some red pepper flakes to the oil mixture.
- If you'd like to make this dish vegan, you can omit the Parmesan cheese and substitute the mozzarella cheese with a vegan cheese alternative.
- You can also add some chopped fresh herbs to the oil mixture for added flavor.
- To make clean-up easier, line the baking sheet with parchment paper.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Low-Calorie Eggplant Parmesan Healthy?
Yes, Low-Calorie Eggplant Parmesan is a much healthier version of the traditional dish as it is made without deep-frying the eggplant slices and using a much lower amount of oil.
2.What are Some Tips to Make Low-Calorie Eggplant Parmesan?
Some tips to make Low-Calorie Eggplant Parmesan include baking the eggplant slices instead of frying them, adding red pepper flakes for a spicier dish, omitting the Parmesan cheese and substituting the mozzarella cheese with a vegan alternative, adding some fresh herbs to the oil mixture for added flavor, and lining the baking sheet with parchment paper for easier clean-up.
3. Can Low-Calorie Eggplant Parmesan Be Made Vegan?
Yes, Low-Calorie Eggplant Parmesan can be made vegan by omitting the Parmesan cheese and substituting the mozzarella cheese with a vegan cheese alternative.
4. How Long Does Low-Calorie Eggplant Parmesan Take to Make?
Low-Calorie Eggplant Parmesan takes approximately 25 minutes to make, with 15 minutes of baking time and 10 minutes of baking time with the cheese.
5. Is Low-Calorie Eggplant Parmesan Suitable for Large Gatherings?
Yes, Low-Calorie Eggplant Parmesan is suitable for large gatherings as it is a very easy dish to make in large quantities.
