With eggplant’s peak season coming into full swing, I thought it was the perfect time to post a recipe using one of summer’s best vegetables. Whenever I am at the market, I always make sure to pick out an eggplant with firm and glossy skin. I also make sure that it seems a bit heavy for it’s size and then I know ift is going to be a good one!
I came up with this recipe the other night as I wanted something hearty and flavorful, but also healthy and full of protein. Thanks to the tofu and vegan cheese, this recipe is protein packed but also vegan so it won’t weigh you down.
Enjoy the full dish for dinner or just one open sided half as an appetizer.
Ingredients:
1 eggplant
Oil of choice
½ cup tofu, crumbled
½ cup marinara sauce
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon dried basil
¼ cup sliced mushrooms
2-4 tablespoons shredded cheese of choice (vegan, nutritional yeast, parmesan, mozzarella, etc.)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: fresh basil or parsley
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400F.
Rinse Eggplant and cut off top and bottom and then slice in half, lengthwise.
Score inside of eggplant sides to create checkerboard pattern. Either brush insides of eggplant with olive oil or use cooking spray and season with salt and pepper.
Place eggplant halves cut side down on a baking tray and place in oven for 35-40 minutes until tender.
When eggplant halves have about 5 minutes more to cook, begin to saute mushrooms. Once beginning to brown add in tofu and spices and stir. Finally, add in marinara.
Remove eggplants from oven and flip over.
Serve each eggplant half with half of the tofu mushroom mixture.
Optionally top with fresh herbs.
