Eggplant pizza? Yes, please!
If you’re like me and constantly searching for guilt-free comfort food (isn’t everyone? ), then these recipes are your ticket to low-carb heaven.
Picture this: tender, roasted eggplant slices standing in for your usual doughy base, topped with gooey cheese and whatever your heart desires.
It’s like a little slice of happiness—wait, no, it’s a whole pie of happiness.
Steps
- Cut the large globe eggplant into ½ inch thick rounds. Generously sprinkle salt on each slice and let them sit for 20 minutes to release moisture. Wipe the slices dry with a paper towel.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Brush each eggplant slice with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with black pepper. Bake in the oven until the slices are soft and slightly golden brown, about 30 minutes.
- While the eggplant is baking, place sliced baby bella mushrooms on a separate sheet pan. Toss them with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and bake until they are golden brown, approximately 30 minutes.
- After removing the eggplant from the oven, spoon around 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on each slice. Sprinkle a mix of mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the sauce, and add the roasted mushrooms on top.
- Return the eggplant rounds to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Garnish with crushed red pepper and fresh basil before serving immediately.
Ingredients
- 1 large globe eggplant, sliced into ½ inch rounds
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ¼ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ¾ cup baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- Crushed red pepper, for garnish
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Nutritional Values
Calories: 603kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 46g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 26g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 1173mg | Potassium: 930mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 900IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 884mg | Iron: 2mg
FAQ
- How should eggplant pizzas be served?
- Eggplant pizzas are versatile and can be served as a delicious dinner with your favorite sides or as a delightful lunch. They also make for a wonderful appetizer when paired with a fresh salad.
- Can eggplant pizzas be prepared in advance?
- Yes, you can make eggplant pizzas ahead of time. Once prepared, they will keep well in the refrigerator for a couple of days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 400°F for about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Is it necessary to peel the eggplant for this recipe?
- Peeling the eggplant is not necessary. Keeping the skin on helps maintain the structure of the pizza bites, preventing them from falling apart. Additionally, the skin is rich in vitamins and nutrients.
- What are some tips for ensuring the eggplant doesn’t become soggy?
- To prevent sogginess, it’s important not to skip the step of salting the eggplant slices. This process, known as “sweating,” draws out excess moisture, which helps the eggplant remain firm during roasting.
- Can I customize the toppings on my eggplant pizza?
- Absolutely! Feel free to personalize your eggplant pizza by adding your favorite toppings. Options like diced bell peppers, pineapple, shredded chicken, or even ground beef can be great additions to suit your taste.
Tips
- Choose the largest eggplant available to make slicing into rounds easier, which enhances the presentation and makes handling simpler.
- Ensure to salt the eggplant slices before baking. This step helps draw out excess moisture, preventing the slices from becoming soggy during roasting.
- Avoid overloading the eggplant slices with toppings. Since the base is a thinly sliced vegetable, too many toppings can cause it to break apart.
- Customize the recipe to your liking by experimenting with different toppings, such as diced bell peppers, pineapple, or even cooked chicken or ground beef.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet – For baking the eggplant rounds and mushrooms.
- Pastry Brush – To brush olive oil on the eggplant slices.
- Chef’s Knife – For slicing the eggplant and mushrooms.
- Cutting Board – To safely cut the eggplant and other ingredients.
- Paper Towels – For wiping off excess moisture from the eggplant slices.
