Eggplant

I love eggplant! It's probably one of my top 5 favorite veggies. It's so delicious, filling, and really low in calories (27 calories in a 1-cup serving). However, it's no longer a healthy vegetable when you order it fried and covered in cheese like my favorite Eggplant Parmesan at Brio Tuscan Grille.

There are so many ways to cook eggplant healthy; Bake it, layer it in veggie lasagna, add it to a healthy ratatouille, and so much more.

Here are some facts on why you should include eggplant in your diet;

• Eggplant is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which can help protect against colon cancer and keeps the digestive system regular.
• The vitamins in eggplant consist primarily of vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), B vitamins, folate, and vitamin C.
• Eggplant is rich in minerals, boasting a large quantity of potassium, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorous.

Facts from livestrong.com

If you have never had eggplant or if you tried it before and didn't like it then here is a beginners recipe to try that is super easy, healthy, and delicious. Come on, you know you want to try it. Don't be scared. 

Baked Italian Eggplant Parmesan

1 large eggplant, cut into 1/2 inch circles (see above)

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1 T water

3/4 cup Italian-seasoned bread crumbs

salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup marinara sauce

1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella

1. Preheat broiler.

2. Combine egg and water in a shallow dish. Combine breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper in another shallow dish. Dip eggplant slices in the egg mixture, coating both sides; dredge in breadcrumb mixture, turning to coat both sides. 

3. Spray baking sheet or line in parchment paper. Place eggplant on baking sheet; broil 5-7 minutes on each side until eggplant is golden brown and tender. Spoon 1-2 tablespoons marinara sauce on each slice and top with 2 tablespoons cheese. Return to broiler until cheese melts; about 1-2 minutes.

Recipe adapted from Weight Watchers

Here are some other healthy eggplant recipes to try that I found recently on Pinterest;

Baked Eggplant Fries w/ Lemon Dipping Sauce

via Shape.com

Baked Eggplant Pizza

via pinchofyum.com

Healthy Eggplant Parmesan

via marthastewart.com