Eggplant Caprese Stack

Delicious Keto Eggplant Caprese Stack

Looking for a delicious and healthy meal to add to your keto diet? Look no further than this mouthwatering recipe for Keto Eggplant Caprese Stack. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this dish is a perfect option for anyone looking to maintain a low-carb lifestyle while still enjoying delicious food. Follow along for a step-by-step guide on how to create this tasty and satisfying meal.

Keto Eggplant Caprese Stack

Eggplant Caprese Stack

PREP TIME 10 mins COOK TIME 10 mins TOTAL TIME 20 mins

Ingredients

  • ย 1ย small eggplant, peeled, sliced thin on a mandoline, rounds
  • ย 1ย tomato (medium) sliced into rounds (0.5โ€“1โ€ณ)
  • ย 1ย (ball) fresh Mozzarella, sliced into rounds (0.5โ€“1โ€ณ)8 oz ball, 4 oz used
  • ย 1ย cupย fresh arugula
  • ย 2ย fresh basil leaves
  • ย ยผย cupย almond flour
  • ย 1ย cupย pork rind bread crumbs
  • ย 2ย large eggs
  • ย salt and pepper, to taste
  • ย ยผย cupย coconut oil
  • ย ยผย cupย parmesan, fresh grated + shaved pieces

Directions

  • Get everything ready. Slice eggplant, tomato, and mozzarella. Combine almond flour, bread crumbs, grated parmesan, and salt and pepper. Scramble the eggs.
  • Dip eggplant slices in egg, then transfer to breading. (Keep one hand for the โ€œwetโ€ and one hand for the โ€œdry.โ€)
  • Preheat coconut oil in a medium sautรฉ pan.
  • Gently fry the eggplant until golden brown, about 3โ€“4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
  • Assemble 1) a few eggplant slices, top with tomato slices, then mozzarella, 2) two pieces of basil, handful of arugula, then back to eggplant slices, and 3) top with shaved parmesan.
  • Drizzle with EVOO, or balsamic vinegar (glaze) in moderation or a red wine vinaigrette.

For a delightful twist on the classic Caprese salad, try the Keto Eggplant Caprese Stack. This flavorful dish combines tender eggplant with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil, all drizzled with balsamic glaze. Itโ€™s a perfect combination of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds while keeping you on track with your keto lifestyle. If you give this recipe a try, let us know in the comments how it turned out for you โ€“ weโ€™d love to hear about your experience with this delicious and healthy dish!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need to peel eggplant?

While the skin of a small, young eggplant can be eaten, larger or older eggplants require peeling because the skin is bitter. The simple answer to the question โ€œDo you peel eggplant before cooking?โ€ is โ€œyes,โ€ when in doubt. To remove the skin, use a paring knife or vegetable peeler.

How do you make an Eggplant Caprese Stack?

To make an Eggplant Caprese Stack, start by slicing eggplant into rounds and grilling or roasting until tender. Then, layer the cooked eggplant rounds with slices of fresh mozzarella cheese, ripe tomato slices, and fresh basil leaves. Repeat the layers until you reach your desired height. Drizzle with balsamic glaze or reduction and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately for a flavorful and satisfying dish.

Can you suggest a variation of Eggplant Caprese Stack for a vegan diet?

Certainly! For a vegan version of Eggplant Caprese Stack, you can replace the mozzarella cheese with slices of vegan cheese or tofu, and use a vegan balsamic glaze or reduction. Ensure that the cheese substitute you choose melts well and complements the flavors of the eggplant, tomato, and basil. This modification allows you to enjoy a plant-based twist on the classic dish while still savoring its delicious flavors.

What are some tips for grilling eggplant for Eggplant Caprese Stack?

Grilling eggplant for Eggplant Caprese Stack requires some finesse to achieve tender slices with a nice char. Here are some tips:
Preparation: Slice the eggplant into rounds of consistent thickness, about 1/2 inch thick. Sprinkle them with salt and let them sit for about 20-30 minutes to draw out excess moisture and bitterness. Pat them dry with paper towels before grilling.
Oil and Seasoning: Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance flavor. Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices, like garlic powder or Italian seasoning.
Preheat the Grill: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat (around 375-400ยฐF or 190-200ยฐC) before adding the eggplant slices. This helps to create a nice sear on the outside while cooking the eggplant evenly.
Grilling Time: Grill the eggplant slices for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are tender and have nice grill marks. Avoid overcooking, as eggplant can become mushy if grilled for too long.
Watch Closely: Keep a close eye on the eggplant while grilling to prevent burning. Rotate the slices if necessary to ensure even cooking.
By following these tips, you can grill eggplant slices to perfection for your Eggplant Caprese Stack, adding delicious smoky flavor and a satisfying texture to the dish.

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