I’m back in the kitchen and have a super easy dish! Not sure about you, but I love eggplant — plus who doesn’t love pizza? This is a healthier version and if you have kids, it’s a dish that’s just their size. Bonus subtract the cheese and now it’s paleo.
Enjoy!
Mini Eggplant Pizzas
(Makes 3-4 servings or 6-8 appetizer servings, recipe adapted from one found in From Julia Child’s Kitchen.)
Ingredients:
1-2 eggplants
1 tablespoon salt
2 tablespoons Avocado Oil
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning, oregano, parsley or thyme
10 large basil leaves
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1/3 cup finely grated low-fat mozzarella blend
Sauce Ingredients:
2-3 teaspoons avocado oil
3 large garlic cloves, very finely chopped
8 oz petite diced tomatoes with liquid (or use 3 cups peeled and diced fresh tomatoes)
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning blend
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions:
Pre-heat oven to 375. Cut off both ends of the eggplant; then cut it into 3/4 inch thick slices or long wedges depending on the shape and size of your eggplant. Lay the eggplant pieces on paper towels and sprinkle both sides generously with salt. Let the eggplant sit with the salt on to draw out the liquid, about 30 minutes.
While the eggplant sits, make the sauce. Heat 2-3 teaspoons of avocado oil and saute garlic just until it becomes fragrant. Add diced tomatoes, dried Italian seasoning, and dried oregano and let the sauce cook at a low simmer until it’s thickened, breaking up the tomatoes as it cooks. (Add water as needed) Keep the sauce hot by simmering at very low heat until it’s needed for the eggplant slices.
After 30 minutes, wipe the eggplant dry with paper towels. Spray a roasting sheet with a non-stick spray (or use foil), lay eggplant slices on, brush the tops of the eggplant with avocado oil, and sprinkle with dried Italian seasoning. Roast the eggplant about 25 minutes (but not so long that the slices become mushy and lose their shape).
While the eggplant roasts, thinly slice the fresh basil leaves and combined freshly grated Parmesan and low-fat mozzarella blend. After 25 minutes or when eggplant pieces are done, remove eggplant from the oven and turn oven setting to broil. Spread a few tablespoons of sauce on the top of each eggplant slice, sprinkle with thin basil slices and top with a generous amount of cheese. Place under the broiler until the cheese is melted and slightly browned. Serve hot.
I've been wanting to make these for a while, but now I have more motivation! I don't know why but I love eggplant!
-Brittany Ruth
YUM!! I love eggplant and these looks delicious and easy!
sounds delicious!