2 Recipes To Prepare Stuffed Aubergines

You may believe that eggplants cannot be a main dish, but one option that is both healthy and nutritious is stuffed aubergines.

It is more common to find derivatives of this ingredient in pasta, or some type of garnish, even as a snack. But would you believe if we told you that it is possible to make lasagna and even omelette with it?

And it is that what makes it possible is the versatility of the eggplant itself. It is well known that in its natural state it is delicate and soft in appearance but undergoes interesting changes when using various cooking methods.

Properties of eggplant for health

Another important aspect in relevance is that it is highly recommended for health, especially for the prevention of diseases. According to  information published in  Food Chemistry , it is a vegetable abundant in vitamins, phenolics and antioxidants.

Also, as highlighted by a Food & Function study , it  is a food that contains cardioprotective compounds, especially when consumed in its raw form.

Among other things, it should be noted that it is an important source of dietary fiber, which helps regulate cholesterol, digestion and processes involved in weight control. Do you dare to include it in your diet?

2 options to prepare stuffed aubergines

1. Eggplant lasagna

Even if you think that lasagna can only be meat or chicken, the truth is one way to prepare stuffed aubergines is by making a delicious -and healthier- lasagna. Today we bring you this peculiar, but incredible healthy and nutritious recipe.

Ingredients

• 2 aubergines cut into slices
• 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil (60 ml)
• 1 pinch of salt (15 g)
• 1 pinch of ground black pepper (15 g)

• 2 ½ cups of homemade tomato sauce (375 ml)
• 4 boneless chicken breasts
• 2 cups of ricotta or mozzarella cheese (300 g)
• 3 eggs

Preparation

• Start by washing the aubergines very well without removing the skin.
• Preheat the oven to 180 ºC while you take care of completing the other steps.
• Cut the aubergines into strips (preferably cross-sectional).
• Have a cookie sheet on hand and place the aubergine strips there. Next, use a brush and apply oil so that they do not stick when entering the oven.
• With enough salt and pepper, season the strips and bake for 10 minutes until soft.
• Meanwhile, in a frying pan with a drizzle of oil, sauté the diced chicken breasts with the rest of the ingredients (salt, pepper, tomato sauce, eggs and ricotta cheese) until well combined.
• Remove the aubergines from the oven, let them cool a bit and then proceed to the assembly of the lasagna.
• You will do it this way: strips of aubergine, layer of chicken filling, layer of cheese (the one of your preference), tablespoons of the sauce of the stew, again layer of eggplant.

• Like this until finished. Finally, put it in the oven for 30 minutes and then let it cool to be able to cut it better.

2. Eggplant omelette

In many countries, the most famous tortillas are those made with potatoes, but this does not mean that it cannot be made with this vegetable.

In fact, preparing stuffed aubergines with this style will give you the possibility of combining it. You can use with other similar ingredients such as peppers, zucchini or tomatoes. It’s a matter of your creativity doing its thing.

Ingredients

• 5 aubergines
• 7 eggs
• 3 shallots
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil (30 ml)
• 1 tablespoon of salt (15 g)
• 1 tablespoon of black pepper (15 g)

Preparation

• Start by dicing both the shallots and aubergines and setting them aside.
• Then, in a pan with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, sauté the diced shallots and aubergines for about 5 minutes.
• Next, flatten them as best you can until they are almost flat. Turn off the heat for a moment and be sure to drain the excess oil so that you can scoop out and reserve the shallot and eggplant puree that you have made.
• In a bowl, break the eggs and beat them vigorously until you notice the foam. Return the pan to the fire, wait for it to heat up and pour the egg shake together with the eggplant and shallots.
• Let it set little by little with the heat and do not forget the seasoning of salt and pepper.
• Use a large pot lid to turn the tortilla in the skillet. Repeat until done on both sides of the tortilla.
• If it is your preference, sprinkle a little more ground black pepper and a touch of the cheese of your choice. You can now enjoy your delicious preparation.

Now that you know why it is good to prepare stuffed aubergines and you have 2 recipes to do it, don’t wait to make them. Eggplants are a  healthy and tasty alternative to incorporate into your daily diet.