Are you looking for a healthy and satisfying lunch option that won’t derail your low-carb diet? Look no further than low carb eggplant pizza! This delicious dish is not only easy to make but it’s also packed with flavor and nutrients.
Eggplant is a great low-carb alternative to traditional pizza crust, and it’s loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. By using eggplant as the base for your pizza, you’ll be adding extra nutrition to your meal without sacrificing taste.
The best part about this low carb eggplant pizza recipe is that it’s fully customizable. You can top it with all of your favorite pizza toppings, from classic pepperoni to fresh veggies and herbs. And with the low-carb crust, you won’t have to worry about feeling guilty after indulging in a slice (or two).
Not only is this dish low in carbs, but it’s also a great option for anyone following a gluten-free diet. Plus, it’s a fun and creative way to sneak more veggies into your diet.
So, if you’re looking for a healthy and satisfying lunch option that’s both delicious and nutritious, give this low carb eggplant pizza recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
7 Surprising Health Benefits of Eggplants
Eggplants, also known as aubergines, are a popular vegetable in many cuisines around the world. They are known for their unique taste, texture, and versatility in cooking. However, what many people may not realize is that eggplants are also packed with a variety of health benefits. In this article, we will explore seven surprising health benefits of eggplants.
1. Rich in Many Nutrients
Eggplants are a great source of many essential vitamins and minerals. They are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a nutritious addition to any diet. Eggplants are also a good source of vitamins B1, B6, and K, as well as copper, manganese, and potassium.
2. High in Antioxidants
Eggplants are rich in antioxidants, which are important for protecting the body against damage from harmful molecules known as free radicals. Specifically, eggplants are high in anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant that gives the vegetable its deep purple color. Studies have shown that anthocyanins may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects.
3. May Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease
Eggplants contain compounds that have been shown to lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health. Specifically, they are rich in chlorogenic acid, a type of antioxidant that has been shown to reduce blood pressure and improve blood flow. This makes eggplants a great food for anyone looking to improve their heart health.
4. May Promote Blood Sugar Control
Eggplants may also help to regulate blood sugar levels. This is because they are low in carbohydrates and high in fiber, which can help to slow down the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream. In addition, eggplants contain compounds that have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, which is important for preventing and managing diabetes.
5. Could Help With Weight Loss
Because they are low in calories and high in fiber, eggplants can be a great food for anyone looking to lose weight. Eating eggplants can help to keep you feeling full for longer periods of time, which can help to reduce overall calorie intake. In addition, the fiber in eggplants can help to regulate digestion and prevent overeating.
6. May Have Cancer-Fighting Benefits
Several studies have suggested that eggplants may have anti-cancer properties. Specifically, the anthocyanins in eggplants have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects in animal and test-tube studies. More research is needed to determine the extent of these benefits in humans, but adding eggplants to your diet certainly can’t hurt.
7. Very Easy to Add to Your Diet
One of the great things about eggplants is that they are very versatile and easy to incorporate into your diet. They can be roasted, grilled, sautéed, or even baked into a tasty dip like baba ghanoush. In addition, they pair well with a variety of different flavors and can be used in a wide range of dishes.
The Bottom Line
Eggplants are tasty and nutritious vegetable that offers a range of health benefits. They are rich in many essential nutrients, high in antioxidants, and may help to reduce the risk of heart disease, regulate blood sugar levels, promote weight loss, and even have cancer-fighting properties. Best of all, they are easy to add to your diet and can be enjoyed in a variety of delicious ways.
How to Make Low Carb Eggplant Pizza
A low carb eggplant pizza recipe that uses sliced eggplant as the crust instead of a carb-heavy breaded crust. With tons of flavor and super simple to assemble, this recipe is vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
PREP TIME: 10 minutes
COOK TIME: 15 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 25 minutes
SERVINGS: 2
Ingredients of Low Carb Eggplant Pizza
1 large eggplant
1 Tablespoon 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, to taste
ground pepper, to taste
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup chopped fresh oregano
crushed red pepper, optional
Instructions for Making Low Carb Eggplant Pizza: A Keto-Friendly Lunch Choice
- Preheat: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Cut eggplant: Slice the eggplant lengthwise, about 1/4-1/3 inch thick. Brush or rub a little olive oil on each side of the eggplant slices and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a baking stone. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place in oven for 7-10 minutes, or until eggplant is hot and starting to cook down.
- Sauté: Meanwhile grab a skillet, add 1/2 Tablespoon olive oil, and sauté the garlic and onion until soft (about 3-4 minutes). Season with salt and pepper. Add pizza sauce and spinach to the skillet and cook for 1-2 additional minutes until the mixture is warm and the spinach has wilted.
- Adding toppings: Remove the eggplant slices from the oven, and top each with the onion and spinach mixture. Sprinkle with cheese and chopped oregano. Place in the oven for approximately 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
- Serve: Serve immediately with more fresh oregano and crushed red pepper.
Notes
- For the pizza sauce you can make your own using my recipe or use store-bought. My favorite store-bought option is Rao’s Homemade.
- If you’d like to add more protein to this dish, simply add about 8 oz of ground chicken sausage or veggie sausage to the skillet with the garlic and onion. Sauté until sausage is thoroughly cooked and then add your pizza sauce and spinach.
Nutrition
Serving: 1/2 of recipe | Calories: 331kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 19g | Sodium: 791mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 15g
