Serves :4

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 pounds Eggplant
• Salt and ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp. chopped parsley
• 2 beaten eggs
• 1 cup of low-fat Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, low-fat
• 1 pound cubed skinless boneless chicken (or turkey) breasts

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Mix beaten eggs and low-fat yogurt in a separate dish.
3. In a casserole, place 1 layer of eggplant and meat cubes.
4. Sprinkle the eggplant and meat cubes with salt, pepper, and chopped parsley.
5. Cover the layer with 1/2 cup of the eggs/yogurt mixture.
6. Repeat the layering process two more times, seasoning each layer as before.
7. Cover the top layer with shredded low-fat cheddar cheese.
8. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven until the eggplant and chicken (or turkey) are tender and the crust is golden brown, about 20 minutes.
9. Serve the casserole with a Large Fiber Loaded salad with Italian Dressing.

Variations:

1. Vegetarian Eggplant Casserole: Omit the chicken (or turkey) and make it a meatless dish. Add more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes for a hearty vegetarian option.
2. Mediterranean Eggplant Casserole: Add some Mediterranean flavors by including ingredients like Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese.
3. Mexican Eggplant Casserole: Season the chicken with taco seasoning and layer in some corn, black beans, and diced green chilies. Top with shredded Mexican cheese blend for a Mexican twist.
4. Italian Eggplant Casserole: Layer the eggplant with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Add cooked Italian sausage for extra flavor.
5. Greek Eggplant Casserole: Use Greek yogurt mixed with garlic and lemon juice for the sauce. Add layers of sliced tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese.
6. Indian Eggplant Casserole: Season the chicken with Indian spices like curry powder, cumin, and coriander. Layer with sliced onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Serve with a side of raita.
7. Vegetarian Eggplant Casserole: Omit the chicken or turkey and replace it with your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes. You can also add some cooked quinoa or lentils for extra protein.
8. Mediterranean Eggplant Casserole: Use feta cheese instead of cheddar and add some sliced Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh oregano for a Mediterranean twist.
9. Spicy Eggplant Casserole: Add some red pepper flakes or chili powder to the beaten egg-yogurt mixture for a kick of spiciness. You can also layer sliced jalapenos between the eggplant and chicken for more heat.
10. Eggplant Parmesan Casserole: Bread the eggplant slices with a mixture of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning before layering them in the casserole. Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese for a delicious eggplant Parmesan casserole.
11. Greek Eggplant Casserole: Replace the shredded cheddar cheese with crumbled feta cheese and add some chopped fresh dill and mint for a Greek-inspired flavor.
12. Middle Eastern Eggplant Casserole: Season the chicken with Middle Eastern spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika. Layer the eggplant with sliced onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers, and top with tahini sauce before baking.
13. Asian-Inspired Eggplant Casserole: Marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Layer the eggplant with sliced bell peppers, snap peas, and water chestnuts, and drizzle with a sesame-soy sauce before baking.

ALLERGIES:

SF (Shellfish-Free)

GF (Gluten-Free)

NF (Nut-Free)