During the hot summer months there is nothing more refreshing than a light home cooked meal.  While chicken and fish are great healthy alternatives, it’s time to take advantage of the summer harvest: eggplant. Eggplant is a healthy and versatile vegetable that can be elevated to steal any show.  When cooking for one, an eggplant can be intimidating due to its larger size and perishable nature, but here are some ways to take advantage of all that this vegetable has to offer.  Whether you are cooking for one or cooking for an army, these cheap, fast, and delicious eggplant chEATS are great healthy meal alternatives. 

Try eggplant with white bean puree as a healthier alternative to the American classic, eggplant Parmesan.  Preheat your oven to 400 degrees before you begin working.  Cut ¼ inch thick pieces of the eggplant and place on a baking sheet.  Drizzle both sides with extra light olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.  Put the eggplant in the oven for about 3-5 minutes on each side or until slightly tender to the touch.  Meanwhile, empty a can of small white beans (or cannellini beans) into a food processor with a clove of garlic, salt, pepper, a few sprinkles of Italian seasoned bread crumbs, and a drizzle of extra light olive oil and puree this mixture until smooth (*Note: you can even puree the cooked eggplant in the food processor with the white beans to make a healthy summertime dip).  Once you have removed the eggplant from the oven, spread a layer of the white bean spread on each piece.  Then top with a small spoonful of tomato sauce and sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.  Place the eggplant back into the oven for about 2-3 more minutes or until warmed through and the cheese has melted and enjoy!

Try a simple eggplant and goat cheese pizza which can be ready in just minutes. Cut the eggplant into ¼ inch thick pieces, season as mentioned in the above recipe (olive oil, salt, pepper) and cook at 400 degrees for 3-4 minutes on both sides until tender.  Cut a sweet onion into long thin slices and sauté over medium high heat with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of sugar until caramelized.  Using either a premade pizza crust such as Boboli or fresh dough, from a local supermarket or pizza place, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce to coat the crust.  Top with the eggplant, caramelized onions, and crumbled goat cheese.  Feel free to add in sundried tomatoes and shredded mozzarella cheese if you have them on hand.  Cook in the oven for about 20-30 minutes if you’re using fresh dough, or until heated through if your using premade pizza crust.  Enjoy!