Eggplant Parm with Spicy Garlic Basil Chicken
Try this Eggplant Parm with Spicy Garlic Basil Chicken recipe
Try this Eggplant Parm with Spicy Garlic Basil Chicken recipe
- 1 bay leaf
- pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
- salt and pepper to taste.
- 2 tsp tomato paste
- 1 head garlic
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces grass fed organic mozzarella cheese sliced
- additional basil leaves for final touch.
- 3 small garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp thyme or dill weed or oregano
- 1 tbsp dry sherry (optional)
- 1 canned diced tomato (14.5 oz)
- 3 tsp olive oil divided
- 3 medium size eggplants
- 1 -2 tbsp of olive oil
- Carbohydrate 5.52025071147911 g
- Cholesterol 65.2440730334316 mg
- Fat 7.40044025824704 g
- Fiber 0.318263878896725 g
- Protein 13.8599711378641 g
- Saturated Fat 1.95509020415152 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (131g)
- Sodium 369.136146718851 mg
- Sugar 5.20198683258239 g
- Trans Fat 0.570144429034027 g
- Calories 145 calories
Step-by-step
- Cut the eggplants in half.
- Rub the cut side with olive oil, salt and pepper.
- Place the cut side down in a large baking tray lined with non-stick parchment paper.
- Bake with garlic clove (see below) in 425F for 40-45 mins.
- Slice the head/tip of the garlic clove & drizzle with 1 tsp of olive oil and sea salt.
- Wrap in aluminum foil wrap and bake with eggplants in the oven for 425F for 40-45 mins.
- While the eggplants are in the oven: heat a large skillet with 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Sauté garlic and onion until caramelized.
- Add ground chicken, bay leaf, dry thyme, and a dash of dry sherry (optional).
- Continue to brown the meat until the color changes.
- Add tomato and tomato paste.
- Cover with a lid and let it simmer for 15 mins.
- Stir occasionally until the sauce is thickened.
- Set aside to cool.
- Squeeze the garlic out of the cloves and mash with a fork.
- Mix well with chopped basil, red pepper flakes, 2 tsp olive oil, and parmesan cheese.
- Rub the eggplants (cut side) with garlic basil paste.
- Sprinkle with more parmesan cheese if desired.
- Bake the eggplants for an additional 5 minutes in 425F.
- Then add meat sauce (stuff the meat in the middle of the eggplants).
- Layer on slices of mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes in 425F.
- Serve warm with fresh basil.
Eggplant Parm with Spicy Garlic Basil Chicken: A Weeknight Delight
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and healthy dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Between school pick-ups, after-school activities, and the endless demands of work, a simple, yet satisfying meal is a lifesaver. That’s where this Eggplant Parm with Spicy Garlic Basil Chicken comes in. It's a recipe that beautifully balances flavor and ease, making it the perfect weeknight solution. The combination of tender eggplant, savory chicken, and a vibrant, spicy garlic-basil sauce is simply irresistible. Forget takeout; this recipe will become your new go-to for a satisfying and impressive dinner, ready in under an hour.
The best part? It's incredibly adaptable. Feeling adventurous? Swap out the ground chicken for turkey or Italian sausage. Don't have fresh basil? Dried basil works just as well, though fresh always adds a touch of extra vibrancy. This recipe is a canvas for your culinary creativity; feel free to adjust it to your preferences and what you have on hand. You can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a crowd or have leftovers for lunch the next day. The leftovers are just as delicious, if not more so, the next day. The flavors meld together beautifully overnight!
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. The eggplant, roasted to perfection, provides a wonderfully soft and slightly smoky base. The spicy garlic-basil chicken, seasoned to perfection, adds a delightful punch of flavor. And the melted mozzarella cheese? Well, it's the perfect finishing touch, creating a truly indulgent experience. This is more than just a meal; it's a moment of self-care, a way to nourish yourself and your family with something delicious and healthy. In a world that often feels rushed and chaotic, taking a little time to prepare a meal like this is a small act of rebellion – a reminder that even in the midst of busy schedules, there’s always room for joy, and for delicious food.
Beyond the weeknight dinner, this recipe is also perfect for entertaining. Imagine serving this at your next gathering – your friends and family will be raving about it! The beautiful presentation, with the layers of eggplant, meat sauce, and cheese, is sure to impress. The flavors are complex yet approachable, satisfying even the most discerning palates. It's a dish that truly speaks volumes about the care and effort you put into creating something special for those you love.
So, next time you're looking for a quick, easy, and undeniably delicious dinner, give this Eggplant Parm with Spicy Garlic Basil Chicken a try. You won't be disappointed. It's the perfect combination of comfort food and healthy eating, a testament to the idea that you can indulge without sacrificing nutrition. This recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients, transformed into something extraordinary with a little love and attention. It's a testament to the power of good food to bring people together and to nourish the soul. And that, in my opinion, is the most important ingredient of all.
Enjoy!
