Eggplant Lasagne

Eggplant Lasagne

I'm always looking for ways to reduce my carb intake (especially high GI carbs like refined flour (maida). So this lasagna was high up on my list of to-do items. I always pick up the violet and purple coloured eggplants. For this one, I chose the violet coloured ones. But please note - the skin has a lot of anthocyanins. These are antioxidants that act as anti-aging agents. So do not peel off that skin or char it and throw it away. Have eggplant with the skin, at least most of the times, to enjoy all the goodness present in its skin

Ingredients

Eggplant (Brinjal) – 1 (large)

Pizza cheese (grated) – 1 cup

Mix of veggies (carrots, spring onion whites, capsicum, bell peppers .....) – 2 cups

Tomato – 1 (large)

Soya chunks (cooked) – ½ or ¾ cup
Paneer (low-fat) - 100 gms

Pasta sauce – 1 cup

Harissa paste or Chili powder – 2 tbsp (adjust according to taste)

Pepper (freshly crushed) – 2 tbsp (adjust according to taste)

Butter – 1tbsp

Egg – 1

Oregano or any seasoning of your choice – 1 tbsp

Garlic – 4 to 5 cloves

Parsley (freshly chopped) – 1 tbsp

Salt – to taste

Method

Slice the brinjals thinly

Stir fry the vegetables in butter

Add the pasta sauce

Let it cool

Crack the egg and beat it well

Add little salt, pepper and other spices and mix well

Mix the beaten egg and vegetable mixture

Spread some oil or butter on a baking tray

Place the eggplant slices in one layer

Spread the vegetable mix evenly

Sprinkle grated cheese evenly

Repeat with the next layer of eggplant slices followed by the veggies and cheese layers

Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees C for about 25 mins till done

Health Benefits of Eggplants

• Improves heart health. Has an antioxidant that may lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and stabilize your blood pressure
• Helps control diabetes
• Good source of fibre. Facilitates weight loss
• Has nicotinic acid, also known as vitamin PP. This vitamin reduces nicotine dependence and helps those who want to quit smoking
• Improves digestive health
• Rich in iron and copper, Helps to prevent anemia
• Boosts memory
• High in vitamin C, it support the immune system
• Promotes blood clotting
• Enhances liver health. Helps increase production of bile in the liver, dissolving extra fat and preventing chances of liver failure
• Has nasunin that helps remove excess iron from the body
• Rich in calcium, iron and magnesium contributing to strong and healthy bones
• Provides instant energy