Feta Baked Aubergine

When I was writing my menu for Easter Sunday, I was going for Greek inspired dishes and, whilst I made this as a ‘side’ on the day, it was so nice that we’ve since had it for dinner as the main event.

Whilst it’s an ideal veggie dish, it’s also lovely served with some roasted chicken thighs on the side (which I roasted in a lemony, garlicky, herby marinade) or you can add 200g of lean beef mince to the sauce (fry this off first before you start frying the garlic for the sauce) if you want to bulk it out further. Just remember to tweak the points/calories to suit. Best of all, this dish is quick and easy to prepare and requires minimal chopping!

WW POINTS AND NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Serves 4 – per serving = 5 points or 182 cals, 11.6g protein, 7.8g fat, 28g carbs

INGREDIENTS

2 large aubergines, halved

2 tsp olive oil

1 tsp each oregano and garlic powder

2 cloves of garlic, finely minced

Pinch of chilli flakes

400g tin of chopped tomatoes (Mutti are my fav)

1 tsp oregano

½ tsp each white sugar and balsamic vinegar

200g reduced fat feta

Handful of fresh basil, shredded

METHOD

1. Pre heat the oven to 180c.
2. Take each aubergine half and using a sharp knife, lightly score a ‘criss cross’ pattern into the surface. Pop face up in a baking tray and brush with olive. Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle over 1 tsp oregano and garlic powder. Pop into the oven, uncovered for 45 minutes until the aubergine is soft and juicy.
3. Meanwhile take a small pan, spray with 1kal, heat to medium and gently fry the garlic for a minute. Add the chopped tomatoes, half a can of water, a further teaspoon of oregano, a pinch of chilli flakes as well as the sugar and balsamic vinegar.  Season with salt and pepper and simmer on a medium heat for 20-25 minutes until the sauce is reduced and has started to thicken. Remove from the heat.
4. Once the aubergine is cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and pour over the reduced tomato sauce. Crumble over the feta and then pop back in the oven for 15 minutes to melt.
5. Remove from the oven and finish with a good sprinkle of fresh basil.

Enjoy!

As always, if you like my recipes. Don’t forget my cookbook ‘Slimming Kitchen Secrets’ is available now!