Easy Eggplant
A flavorful eggplant dish with crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for a hearty, savory meal that suits casual dinners and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place bacon in a 2 1/2-quart shallow baking dish.
- Cover with wax paper and microwave at high for 5 to 7 minutes, or until crisp. Remove bacon and reserve drippings.
- Crumble bacon and set aside.
- Add eggplant, green pepper, celery, onion, and water to the dish; stir well.
- Cover with heavy-duty plastic wrap (do not vent) and microwave at high for 6 minutes, giving the dish a quarter turn at 2-minute intervals.
- Let stand for 5 minutes and drain excess liquid.
- Add chopped tomatoes, brown sugar, salt, and pepper to the eggplant mixture; stir well.
- Cover again with plastic wrap and microwave at high for 4 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes.
- Let stand for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and crumbled bacon before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. If you have eggplant left over, try using it in dishes like Zucchini Mushroom Quiche or Alanna'S Pork Chops Casserole. Ensure to salt the diced eggplant and let it sit for 15 minutes before cooking to draw out excess moisture and bitterness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm as a main course or a hearty side. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish and a fresh salad for a balanced meal. For an Italian twist, consider serving it alongside crusty bread or as a filling for a Ham And Cheese Sub.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or until heated through. For best results, add a splash of water before reheating to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Eggplant contains roughly 263 calories, with 8g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1471mg per serving (64% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using olive oil for sautéing the vegetables. You can add extra spices or herbs to enhance the flavor.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you don't have Parmesan cheese, you can substitute with Pecorino Romano for a similar flavor or use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. Both alternatives will still provide a nice finishing touch.
How do I know when the eggplant is cooked properly?
Cooked eggplant should be tender and creamy. You can check by piercing it with a fork; it should easily break apart. If it’s still firm, continue cooking for an additional minute or two.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).