Featured Food: Eggplant

Eggplant contains tons of health benefits and are extremely nutrient-dense. Also, they can be substituted for higher-calorie foods in many recipes.

FEATURED FOOD – EGGPLANT

(This feature was formerly known as Food of the Week)

When eggplants are NOT deep-fried or smothered in sauce, they contain plenty of nutrition benefits that can help you reach your goals!

They are extremely nutrient-dense, which means they pack a lot of nutrition into very few calories. Plus, eggplant can be used as a substitute for higher-calorie foods in many recipes.

Eggplants contain anthocyanins, which can protect against cellular damage. They also have heart-protective qualities, may promote better blood sugar control, PLUS they contain cancer-fighting compounds.

You can roast or bake eggplant, add it to chilis and soups, use it to make healthy dips, and so much more!

Recipe of the Week: Quick & Easy Eggplant Dip

This dip is based on the traditional recipe called baba ganoush – but I've streamlined and lightened it up (calorie-wise), all without sacrificing its great taste.

NOTE: The eggplant will cook down pretty quickly – stir it occasionally to keep all of the delicious spices incorporated.

Try it and let me know what you think! Serve with cut-up veggies or gluten-free pita.

QUICK & EASY EGGPLANT DIP

(Makes about 8 servings)

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 medium eggplants, peeled and cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces
4 medium garlic cloves, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp sea salt
¾ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp each cumin and black pepper

For topping:

¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
¼ cup sesame seeds

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the eggplants, garlic, lemon, honey, salt, and spices, stirring well to combine. Cover and cook for about 25-30 minutes, until the eggplant is tender.

Remove the heat and keep covered. Let stand for another 5-10 minutes, and using a potato masher or fork, mash any large pieces of eggplant. Stir, and transfer to a serving dish. Sprinkle with parsley and sesame seeds. Enjoy!

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Good news!

Because planning ahead is so essential, yet often difficult to adopt and maintain, I created an eBook called Fast & Easy Meal Prep Recipes to help you get over those first hurdles.

Inside you’ll find mouthwatering make-ahead recipes for:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Snacks (this section might be my favorite!)

Download it here!

For all my Featured Food Posts in one place, head here (scroll down after reaching the page).

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REFERENCE:

www.healthline.com/nutrition/eggplant-benefits https://balconygardenweb.com/is-eggplant-a-fruit-or-vegetable-a-berry/

Categories: Food of the Week