Eggplant Parm

 

EGGPLANT PARM

A vegan & gluten free version of hands down my fave meal of all time! This obviously isn’t the OG version bc its vegan & gluten free, but honestly I don’t think you’d know the difference… flavors & textures are on point! Such a delicious and comforting meal!

Ingredients
1 large eggplant
2 cups almond meal
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 cup brown rice flour
3/4 cup soy milk
Shredded vegan mozzarella
Shredded vegan parmesan
Sliced vegan mozzarella
1 tbsp fresh chopped basil

Sauce-
2 x 28 oz cans crushed tomatoes
26 oz carton strained tomatoes
6 cloves of garlic minced
3 tbsp fresh chopped Basil
Salt to taste

Method

  • For the sauce. Add garlic to a large pot and cook for a few minutes. Then add in the tomatoes, some salt, & basil. Let it cook for about an hour, stirring occasionally. Makes enough for too!

  • Peel & slice eggplant into 1/8- 1/4 slices.

  • Preheat the oven to 350.

  • Add almond meal & dried seasonings to a bowl and mix.

  • Dip the eggplant slices in the flour, then the milk, & last the almond meal mixture.

    Place slices on a parchment paper lined baking tray.

  • Pop in the oven for about 8-10 minutes flip & cook for another 8-10 mins.

  • In a large baking dish begin to layer. Start with some sauce, eggplant, shredded mozzarella & parm, then more sauce. Keep repeating until you finish the eggplant. Top with some more sauce & then sliced mozzarella.

  • Bake covered for 45-50 minutes at 350. Remove from the oven & allow to cool for a bit before serving.

  • Serve with some fresh chopped basil & a side of pasta if you’re feeling super hungry!

This meal holds a special place in my heart… it was always made by my grandmother & then my aunt. They absolutely mastered the art of this dish & truly nothing compares to theirs! While this might not be the traditional version, I still get that nostalgic feeling when I eat it… One of the important roles that food plays in our lives, outside of nutritional nourishment. Food connects us with others, with traditions, & memories. It’s important to enjoy foods for this reason guilt free bc it’s key to having a healthy relationship with food.

Eggplant Parm