Eggplant Parmigiana
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Here’s a Diabetic-Friendly Eggplant Parmigiana recipe with a pasta-less lasagna twist, crafted to balance flavor and health
Eggplant Parmigiana
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Author:
Anthony
This Diabetic-Friendly Eggplant Parmigiana Lasagna is a pasta-free, low-carb take on a classic Italian dish. Thin slices of roasted eggplant replace traditional lasagna noodles, layered with a rich tomato sauce, fresh basil, and gooey melted cheese.
By using stevia instead of sugar, low-sugar tomato sauce, and skipping high-carb pasta, this recipe keeps the carbohydrate count low while delivering all the comforting flavors of a traditional lasagna.
It’s a delicious and wholesome option for managing blood sugar without sacrificing taste. Perfect for a hearty, balanced, and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- 2 large eggplants, sliced lengthwise into ¼-inch thick slices
- 2 cups tomato pasta sauce (low-sugar, preferably homemade)
- ½ tsp stevia (optional, to balance acidity of tomatoes)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (low-fat if preferred)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Cooking spray or extra olive oil for greasing
Directions
- InstructionsPrepare the Eggplant:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lay the eggplant slices on a baking sheet, sprinkle lightly with salt, and let them sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry with a paper towel.
- Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until softened and slightly golden.
- Make the Sauce:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant and translucent.
- Stir in the tomato pasta sauce, stevia, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the Lasagna:
- Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce at the bottom of the dish.
- Layer with baked eggplant slices, followed by a thin layer of tomato sauce, a sprinkle of basil leaves, and a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese (add small dollops of ricotta if using).
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve:
- Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve with a side salad or steamed greens for a complete meal.
Recipe Note
Ingredient Breakdown (Carbs per Serving)
Eggplants (2 large, ~700g total)
~14g total carbs (2.3g per serving)
Tomato pasta sauce (2 cups, ~500g)
~20g total carbs (3.3g per serving, depending on the brand and sugar content)
Stevia (½ tsp)
0g carbs (non-nutritive sweetener)
Olive oil (2 tbsp)
0g carbs (pure fat, no carbohydrates)
Onion (1 medium, ~150g)
~12g total carbs (2g per serving)
Garlic (3 cloves, ~9g)
~3g total carbs (0.5g per serving)
Cheese (Mozzarella 1½ cups, Parmesan ½ cup, Ricotta ½ cup)
Mozzarella (shredded, ~168g): ~4g total carbs (0.7g per serving)
Parmesan (~50g): ~2g total carbs (0.3g per serving)
Ricotta (~120g, optional): ~4g total carbs (0.7g per serving)
Fresh basil (1 cup, loosely packed)
~1g total carbs (0.2g per serving)
Total Estimated Carbohydrates per Serving
Without Ricotta: ~9.3g carbs per serving
With Ricotta: ~10g carbs per serving
Notes:
These are approximate values based on standard nutrition data. Check specific product labels for accurate carb counts, especially for tomato sauce, as it varies significantly. To lower carbs further, use a no-sugar-added tomato sauce or reduce the amount of ricotta cheese.
This dish is naturally low-carb and fits well into a diabetic-friendly meal plan.
Nutrition
Nutrition
- Serving Size
- 6
- per serving
- Calories
- Carbs
- 10 grams