Since many people with UC are sensitive to lactose, this recipe uses pine nuts and nutritional yeast to create a plant-based "parmesan.” Nestled in cooked eggplant boats, this low-residue meal is a flare-friendly and satisfying option. Get the scoop on how we developed our UC Cooking Club recipes!
Servings
4
Total Time
1 hr 5 minIngredients
- 2 medium eggplants
- 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- ¾ tsp. kosher salt, divided
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Tbsp. mild harissa paste
- ½ cup dry quinoa
- 1 (14.5-oz.) can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups lower-sodium vegetable broth
- 3 Tbsp. finely chopped pine nuts (or slivered almonds)
- 1 Tbsp. nutritional yeast
- ¼ tsp. garlic powder
- 4 Tbsp. thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
Nutrition Information
Per serving: 330 calories; 17g fat; 2g saturated fat; 0mg cholesterol; 734mg sodium; 39g carbohydrate; 12g fiber; 8g protein; 14g sugar; 89mg calcium; 2mg iron; 1024mg potassium
Directions
Step 1Preheat oven to 375°F.
Step 2Slice the eggplants in half lengthwise, right through the stem. Carve into the eggplant flesh all the way around the perimeter, and scoop flesh out; set aside. Place eggplant halves on a baking sheet, facing up. Brush the eggplant halves with 1 Tbsp. of the olive oil and ¼ tsp. salt. Bake eggplant for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and lightly tender.
Step 3Meanwhile, heat remaining 2 Tbsp. oil in a large skillet over medium. Finely chop reserved eggplant flesh, and place in pan. Cook 6 to 7 minutes, until softened. Add garlic, harissa, quinoa, and ¼ tsp salt; cook 2 minutes, stirring often. Stir in diced tomatoes and broth, and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce to a low simmer, cover, and cook 15 to 20 minutes, until quinoa is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 4Remove eggplant halves from oven and fill evenly with quinoa mixture. Place back in the oven for 15 minutes.
Step 5In a small bowl, combine pine nuts, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and remaining ¼ tsp. salt. Sprinkle Pine Nut Parmesan evenly over each eggplant half, and garnish each with 1 Tbsp. basil.
