Source: diabete.net

Presentation

Side dish, first or second course prepared with eggplant, mozzarella, tomatoes, Parmigiano Reggiano PDO, basil, extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper

Ingredients

for 4 people:

Eggplants:  2 medium (≈ 500 g / 17.6 oz total / ≈ 2½ cups sliced)

Mozzarella:  200 g (7 oz / ≈ 1 cup diced)

Ripe tomatoes:  2 medium (≈ 250 g / 8.8 oz / ≈ 1½ cups chopped)

Parmigiano Reggiano PDO:  50 g (1.8 oz / ≈ ½ cup grated)

Fresh basil:  1 sprig (≈ 1 tablespoon leaves / 2–3 g)

Extra-virgin olive oil:  to taste (≈ 1–2 tablespoons / 15–30 ml)

Salt:  to taste (≈ ½ teaspoon)

Black pepper:  to taste (≈ a pinch)

Method

Cut the eggplant (about 2 cm thick) into 16 slices

Grill them (not fried)

Salt and pepper them

Place them on a plate as soon as they are cooked.

Grease a baking sheet with oil

Arrange 8 slices of eggplant

Arrange a slice of mozzarella on top of all

Cover with the other 8 slices of eggplant.

Put a slice of tomato, a basil leaf and a slice of mozzarella on top of each one.

Salt, pepper,

Sprinkle with Parmigiano Reggiano cheese

Bake at 180°.

Allergens

Basil: possible cross-reaction in case of allergy to parietaria or spices

Aubergine: possible individual intolerance or cross-reactivity in case of grass allergy

Mozzarella: milk allergens

Extra virgin olive oil: unusual allergy; intolerance not described

Parmigiano Reggiano PDO: contains milk allergens

Pepper (green, pink, black, grey, white): possible cross-reactivity in case of spice intolerance

Tomatoes: possible cross-reaction in case of sensitivity to grasses

Notes

To be prepared and handled under strict hygienic conditions.

The ingredients of the dish bring the following benefits:

Basil: rich in carotenoids, substances that support the immune system and provide mineral salts, vitamins and antioxidants that act to protect the cardiovascular system; also suitable for nephropathic patients. Useful for the functioning of the liver for the supply of vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants. It provides folic acid linked to the production of serotonin and therefore favorable to good mood and counteract depression

Aubergine: provides flavonoids (Vit. P), antioxidants that enhance the action of Vit. C in favor of the immune system and mineral salts, vitamins and antioxidants that act to protect the cardiovascular system; also suitable for nephropathic patients. Useful for the functioning of the liver for the supply of vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants. Especially if consumed with the peel, it provides folic acid linked to the production of serotonin and therefore favorable to good mood and counteract the depressed

Buffalo mozzarella: one of the few cheeses that can be included in a low-calorie diet (if not seasoned with oil), low-sodium (therefore against hypertension) and against hypercholesterolemia. Also rich in lactic flora. The presence of tryptophan helps to counteract depression

Extra virgin olive oil: source of Vitamin E that protects the immune system from harmful fatty acids

Parmigiano Reggiano PDO: useful for the proper functioning of the liver

Pepper (green, pink, black, gray, white): contains piperine, a powerful antioxidant; it improves insulin sensitivity by reducing cholesterol levels and activating metabolism. Recommended for people with cardiovascular problems.

Tomato: rich in vitamin C, the antioxidant par excellence that fights free radicals and supports the immune system, and provides mineral salts, vitamins and antioxidants that act to protect the cardiovascular system; also suitable for nephropathic patients. Useful for the functioning of the liver for the supply of vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants. Especially if consumed with the peel, it provides folic acid linked to the production of serotonin and therefore favorable to good mood and counteract depression

Salt: essential for the balance of body fluids and for the transmission of nerve impulses, it is however to be consumed respecting the limit of 5 g per day according to the indications of the WHO so as not to promote arterial hypertension and consequent increase in the risk of cardio-cerebrovascular diseases starting from myocardial infarction and cerebral stroke; to be limited as much as possible in the case of nephropathy.

Safety / Intended use

Product also intended for subjects with:

• Constipation
• Mucositis only if it is very cooked and tender

Not recommended in case of:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dysphagia