Comfort Food: Eggplant Parmesan with Whole Wheat Pasta

Introducing a diabetes-friendly culinary delight: Eggplant Parmesan with Whole Wheat Pasta. This delectable recipe is thoughtfully crafted with wholesome ingredients to suit a diabetes-conscious diet. Packed with flavors and nutritional goodness, this dish features succulent eggplant slices, whole wheat pasta, and a harmonious blend of cheeses, all bathed in a low-sugar marinara sauce. The preparation involves a meticulous process, ensuring that each element contributes to both taste and health.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium-sized eggplant, sliced into rounds
• 1 cup whole wheat pasta (choose a shape you like)
• 1 cup low-sugar marinara sauce
• 1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Eggplant:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Place the eggplant rounds on a baking sheet.
• Brush each round with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the eggplant slices are tender.

• Cook the whole wheat pasta according to the package instructions.
• Drain and set aside.

• In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce.
• Place a layer of the baked eggplant rounds on top of the sauce.
• Sprinkle some mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the eggplant.
• Repeat the layers until you use all the eggplant slices, ending with a layer of cheese on top.

Bake:

• Bake the assembled dish in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve:

• Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
• Serve the Eggplant Parmesan over the cooked whole wheat pasta.
• Garnish with dried oregano, dried basil, and fresh basil leaves if desired.

This recipe is a healthier version with whole wheat pasta, less oil, and lower-fat cheese. It's important to consider portion sizes and individual dietary needs when managing diabetes.

Enjoy your delicious and diabetes-friendly Eggplant Parmesan!