Ingredients

1 3/4 lbs eggplants , peeled and cut into 1/2 inch slices
salt
8 ounces ziti pasta
1 tablespoon oil
1 garlic clove , crushed ( or more )
black pepper , freshly ground
1 1/3 cups part-skim ricotta cheese or 1 1/3 cups low fat cottage cheese
1 cup parmesan cheese , grated , divided
1/4 cup fresh parsley or 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes , minced
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes ( optional )
2 cups tomato sauce ( or more )
Eggplant (Aubergine) and Ziti Parmesan is a vegetarian twist on the classic chicken Parmesan. It is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a family dinner. This recipe uses roasted eggplant as the main ingredient instead of chicken, making it a healthy and hearty meal. The eggplant is roasted to perfection and mixed with ziti pasta and tomato sauce, then topped with parmesan cheese and baked until browned and crispy. This dish is perfect for a cold winter night when you need something warm and satisfying.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a large baking sheet and sprinkle with salt.
2.Spread the eggplant slices out on the baking sheet and brush each slice of eggplant with oil on both sides. Roast the eggplant for about 15-20 minutes until they are tender.
3.In a large pot, cook the ziti pasta according to the instructions on the package.
4.In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, and hot red pepper flakes (optional).
5.Mix the pasta with the roasted eggplant and transfer the mixture to a 9 x 13 baking dish. Spoon the tomato sauce over the top.
6.Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese on top of the tomato sauce.
7.Bake the dish for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbling and browned.
8.Serve hot.

PROS

This dish is a great way to incorporate vegetables into your diet.
It is vegetarian and gluten-free, making it a healthy option for many people.
The combination of roasted eggplant, ziti pasta, and tomato sauce creates a flavorful dish that is also comforting and satisfying.

CONS

This dish does take some time to prepare and cook, so it may not be the best option for a quick weeknight dinner.
The eggplant requires prepping and roasting before it can be mixed into the pasta.
Also, while it is a vegetarian option, the cheese in this recipe makes it high in fat and calories.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Eggplants are low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with nutrients such as vitamins C, K, and B6, as well as potassium and magnesium. They also contain antioxidants that protect against cell damage.
Pasta, when eaten in moderation, can be a part of a healthy diet. It is a good source of carbohydrates, the body’s main source of energy.
Tomato sauce is a good source of lycopene, an antioxidant that may reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease.

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