This eggplant pizza recipe is the latest addition to my “healthier meals” collection. As I continue adding more nutritious meal options to my diet, I find myself craving the not-so-healthy meals that I love. I didn’t know how great my willpower would be when I started being more mindful of the food I’m eating.
So far, I’m quite pleased with how it’s going. It’s all about taking it one step at a time and knowing that some days will be better than others. I know myself well enough to know that my mood affects what I eat, so if I’m ever feeling down, I do some exercise, or I rest. If I need to snack, we’ve stocked up on assorted nuts, which have been extremely helpful. One handful alone is enough to curb my appetite.
A way that I’m making this “diet” (if I can even call it that) fun, is by making healthy recipes that I’ve never tried before. However, when I’m absolutely craving something that isn’t great for my health, I’m using it as a challenge to make a similar, yet healthy, version. Instead of just saying it’s okay to have a “cheat” meal, I’m having fun trying new things!
This is why, instead of having a regular pizza today, I’m going to make this eggplant pizza by eating bird food! Instead of the pizza dough crust, you use eggplant. You can either make your own pizza sauce or buy a sugar-free sauce. It makes a great meal if paired with a side, or a snack in between smaller meals.
Eggplant Pizza
Ingredients
1 Large Eggplant
1 Tbsp Olive Oil
1/2-1 cup No Sugar Added Pizza Sauce*
2 Garlic Cloves, minced
1/2 Yellow Onion, sliced
1 cup Fresh Baby Spinach
Sea Salt and Pepper, to taste
3/4 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
¼ cup Chopped Fresh Oregano
Ground Chicken/Sausage/Other Protein, optional
Crushed Red Pepper, optional
Instructions
1) Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2) Slice the eggplant lengthwise, about 1/4-1/3 inch thick. Brush a bit of olive oil on each side of the eggplant slices. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place in oven for 7-10 minutes, or until eggplant is hot and starting to cook down.
3) Add 1/2 Tbsp olive oil into a pan and sauté the garlic and onion until translucent. If you’ve chosen to add a protein such as chicken/sausage/vegetarian-friendly protein, add it to the pan. Season with salt and pepper. When thoroughly cooked, add pizza sauce and spinach to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes. By this time, the mixture should be warm and the spinach should have wilted.
4) Remove the eggplant and top the slices with the spinach mixture, and then the cheese and oregano. Put them back in the oven for about 2 minutes (at least until the cheese has melted).
Serve while hot, with more fresh oregano and crushed red pepper (optional).
Enjoy!
While we really liked this eggplant pizza recipe, what are some of your favorite ways to have eggplant? Or, if you have other healthier pizza ideas, please let me know!
See also:
Chickpea Meatballs in Vegetable Sauce Recipe