When we’re searching for a savory, satisfying meal, we often reach for our friend, the eggplant. Heart-healthy, low in calories and fat free, this plant brings flavor and health to the chopping board.
If you’re interested in learning more about all the incredible benefits this fruit brings to the table, check out Well-Being Secret’s 27 Science Based Health Benefits of Eggplant. Well researched, it’s a fun read if you want to dive into more of the facts about eggplants.
For this recipe, we did a little twist on the traditional eggplant parmesan. And, this plate’s become a new favorite around our dinner table.
Ingredients:
serves 3-4 people
1 package brown rice linguini (boiled to package directions)
2 Walnut Burgers
1 eggplant (cut into 3/4 inch round slices)
Seasoning (our favorite is Hometown #1)
Marinara sauce (your favorite homemade or store bought kind)
3-4 slices swiss cheese
Fresh basil for garnish
First, preheat oven to 400 degrees. Then, place sliced eggplant on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle salt on each, and allow them to sit for about 5-10 minutes. Next, take a cloth or paper towel to dab off the water that comes to the top of the eggplant. Then, dust both sides of eggplant slices with seasoning and sea salt. Place in the oven.
While the eggplant roasts, place the Walnut Burgers in an olive oil or coconut oil greased pan and cook, stirring until the crumbles are browned nicely. At the same time, cook the linguini, and warm up the marinara sauce.
Once the eggplant is soft and browned on both sides (you can rotate every 10 minutes or so to keep them cooking consistently), remove from oven. Generally, it takes the eggplant about 30 or so minutes to roast up nicely; when you remove them from the oven, place a tiny slice of swiss cheese on top of each eggplant slice.
Next, build your plates. Place linguini down, top with marinara sauce, a slice or two of eggplant/cheese, Walnut Burger crumbles and some fresh basil. It’s the bomb. Enjoy!