Source: diabete.net; blog.giallozafferano.it photos

Presentation

A nutritious recipe, consisting of a first course prepared with Sardinian gnocchi, eggplant, onion, garlic, tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, ricotta, oregano

Ingredients
Serves 4

• 400 g (about 14 oz / 3–4 cups) gnocchetti sardi (small pasta)
• 1 large eggplant (about 400–500 g / 14–18 oz), diced
• ½ onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 50 g (about 1.75 oz / ⅓ cup) diced tomatoes
• Extra-virgin olive oil, as needed
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 100 g (about 3.5 oz / ½ cup) ricotta
• Oregano, to taste

Preparation

In a saucepan, put a little oil, onion, garlic and brown.

Add the eggplant cut into small cubes,

Stir and pour in the tomato immediately.

Allow to simmer for 1⁄2 hour

Season with salt and pepper (or chilli pepper to taste).

Cook the pasta

Stir in the sauce.

Serve hot.

Allergens

Garlic: very rare cases of garlic reactivity reported

Onion: possible reactivity in case of nickel allergy due to the vegetable’s ability to concentrate it

Sardinian gnocchi: contains gluten from cereals included in EU Regulation 1169/2011

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

Extra virgin olive oil: unusual allergy; intolerance not described

Oregano: reactivity in case of sensitivity to Lamiaceae (or Labiatae): thyme, sage, mint, rosemary, nepeta

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

Chili pepper: possible cross-reactivity in case of intolerance to spices

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

Cottage cheese: milk allergens

Notes

To be prepared and handled under strict hygienic conditions.

The ingredients of the dish bring the following benefits:

Garlic: has immune-stimulating properties, promotes liver function and the elimination of waste metabolites. It also has hypocholesterolemic, lipid-lowering, antiplatelet, hypotensive and hypoglycemic properties that promote cardiac function.

Onion: it is rich in selenium which supports the immune system and with the ability to stabilize blood glucose at normal values; it provides quercetin, a flavonoid that helps contain cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, parameters related to cardiovascular risk, which also supports liver function by promoting the purification of the body. Also indicated for nephropathic patients, it is a good diuretic that prevents kidney stones. It provides folic acid linked to the production of serotonin and therefore favorable to good mood and counteract depression

Sardinian gnocchi: produced with wholemeal flour, which provides zinc, an element favorable to the proper functioning of the immune system; also suitable for nephropathic patients. Cereals stimulate the synthesis of serotonin which counteracts depression and promotes good mood

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

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

Oregano: provides antioxidants and vitamin E that are conducive to the proper functioning of the immune system

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.

Chili pepper: rich in vitamin C, the antioxidant par excellence that fights free radicals and supports the immune system, reduces blood cholesterol indexes and hinders its formation on the arteries. It contains vitamins A, D and E and is very effective in activating the venous and capillary circulation. It provides folic acid linked to the production of serotonin and therefore favorable to good mood and counteract depression

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

Ricotta. Useful for the functioning of the liver for the supply of vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants and for the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. The presence of tryptophan helps to 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:

• Anorexia – Weight Loss
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Mucositis (inflammation and lesions of the oral cavity) if without chili peppers

Not recommended in case of:

• Dysphagia (problems chewing and swallowing)
• Nausea and vomiting if with chili peppers
• Mucositis (inflammation and lesions of the oral cavity) if with chili peppers