Eggplant Pizzas!

By Health Coach Melanie Rathbun, FMCHC

The nutritious eggplant, sometimes referred to as aubergine, is currently in season and abundant in gardens and markets. The most common eggplants are those with deep purple skin.

Eggplant is rich in the antioxidant anthocyanins which research suggests may help reduce the risk of heart disease. With their unique texture and mild flavor, they can be a wonderful addition to your meals. They can be prepared in a number of ways so feel free to get creative! Bake, sauté, grill, or mix it with vegetables in your favorite casserole.

It is typically used as a vegetable in cooking, but did you know (as Deb pointed out) that it is actually a berry by botanical definition? This is a fun fact and surprising to most! A fun way to use eggplant is with mini eggplant pizzas! Try it out and let us know what you think. We love seeing your tagged photos (#bwcforhorselovers).

30 minutes prep time (serves 4)

Ingredients

• 1 eggplant (medium)
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• Sea salt & black pepper to taste
• ¾ cup tomato sauce
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• 4 1/3 oz mozzarella ball (grated)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tsp fresh basil leaves (finely chopped)

Directions

1. Cut the eggplant into equal slices about 1/2 inch thick. Generously brush each side of the eggplant with the olive oil and season with sea salt and black pepper.
2. Heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Cook eggplant in batches until tender and browned about 3 to 5 minutes per side.
3. Meanwhile, turn the broiler on high.
4. Transfer the browned eggplant slices to a baking sheet and top each with tomato sauce, dried oregano and shredded cheese. Broil the eggplant pizzas for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly and browned.
5. Top with red pepper flakes and fresh basil. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

• Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
• Serving size: One serving is approximately three eggplant pizzas.
• Dairy-free: Use a dairy-free shredded cheese instead. More flavor: Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the tomato sauce.
• Additional toppings: Top eggplant pizza with your favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni, bacon, olives, bell peppers or mushrooms.

It’s worth mentioning that as a member of the nightshade family eggplant can potentially aggravate inflammation in sensitive people. Nightshades contain alkaloids, including solanine, which can be toxic. Solanine protects these plants while they are still growing. Nightshades include eggplant, tomatoes, pepper, white potatoes, goji berries and spices such as paprika and curcumin. Paying attention to how you feel before, during, after, and the next few days following consumption may give you some clues. A great way to learn what foods are best for you personally is through a proper elimination diet. Your practitioner or health coach can help guide you through the process.