Eggplant Pasta

Pasta is among the most popular dishes throughout the world which has many fans in all ages.
Iranians usually make it with minced meat and cook it while it can be prepared with a variety of vegetables and protein- rich products such as cheese and eggs. today's recipe is a new way which is well worth trying once. Here is the recipe!

Directions

First, chop the onions and saute in oil a bit. Then add the cubed eggplants and courgettes and keep sauteing. If the skins of eggplants and courgettes are fine and with no damage, you don't need to peel them. After a couple of minutes, sprinkle with the spices and saute again. Also add pressed garlic and tomato paste as well as grated cheese. In a fairy large pot, bring water to a boil and put the pasta in till they are soft. Then strain and place in a dish. Serve pasta with your desired sauce.

Ingredients

Serving 4
6 glasses cooked Fettuccine, 480 kilocalories
3 glasses cubed eggplants, 75 kilocalories
2 glasses cubed courgettes, 40 kilocalories
2 glasses mushrooms, 50 kilocalories
1 medium onion, 25 kilocalories
2 match-sized Gouda cheese, 120 kilocalories
3 tablespoons liquid oil, 270 kilocalories
4 garlic cloves, no calorie
Tomato paste, as per taste, no calorie
Salt, turmeric and black pepper powder, no calorie
On the whole,the dish contains 1,100 kilocalories of energy; that is each person will receive approximately 275 kilocalories. Of course, if you serve it with Salads or sauces the gained energy will reach 350 kilocalories for each person.
Eggplants Nutritional facts
Despite the belief of people who say eggplants are of no nutritional value, research shows that it is not true. Eggplants are full of antioxidants.
The vegetable is placed in Phenolic family of which compounds like caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid can be mentioned. In addition, eggplants contain flavonoids ;the most important of which is Nasonin.
You might not believe that eggplants is useful for brain activities. studies show that the skin of the vegetable includes a compound known as anthocyanin and exists in the purple texture of eggplant skin. Anthocyanin has an antioxidants benefits; therefore, it preserves the membranes of cells against the free radicals and protect them from any damage. Of course, if eggplant is fried in oil, it will produce a large amount of calories. Therefore, grilled, steamed or even sauteed vegetable is preferred.
Courgette health benefits
Courgettes contain a low amount of calories and are usually applied fore those who go on a diet. The full of fiber vegetable also includes beta-Carotene so that each 100 gof the vegetable can provide the body with 610 micrograms of beta-Carotene. Also studies show that each 100 g contains 360 miligrams potassium. It is interesting to know that it is best for the middle aged and the elderly; it can be a light meal in the evening and since it is abundant with fiber and beta-Carotene , it will lower the bad cholesterol level and prevent cataracts disease. It is recommended to apply he vegetable in steamed form but if you don't feel any limitation, then you can apply its fried version as well.
Gouda Cheese Benefits
Cheese, full of protein, is a rich meal and can replace the meat. As a result, those vegetarians who don't consume meat can go for cheese. In addition to lactose, it contains substances that exist in milk. Its benefit to milk is that it is digested easily. Of course, high-fat or fermented cheese are exceptions. Gouda, originated in the Netherlands, is the most popular cheese, neither loose nor firm. It is often used in pizza, lasagna, pasta and salads. Don't forget that the cheese is made out of fresh cow milk and its specification is that there are holes in it. It is kept in salted water and contains 40 to 50 % fat. So, you should use in moderation to avoid getting a large amount of calories.

How to serve

You are recommended to serve the pasta with a bowl of low-fat yogurt, flavored with a little wheat sprouts and mint. Many would like to have the dish with tomato sauce or even mayonnaise but it is better to apply sauce in moderation; and you are recommended to make these sauces at home. Overusing sauces, especially if they are very hot, will lead to obesity, if none.
If you are suffering from a heart disease, you might omit pasta from your menu. While you can make it with courgettes, mushrooms, colorful bell peppers, broccoli, carrots and celery( preferably steamed). Instead of fattening cheese you can apply 2 egg whites to reduce the amount of gained calories.
If you are slim, pasta can be appetizing. Cooked chicken pieces along with more cheese will increase your gained calories. Furthermore, they are nutritious. You are recommended to apply the vegetables such as sweet corns, green peas, and a little fried potatoes. Drinks such as fresh fruits juice can be accompanied with the dish can add to the nutritional value of the cuisine.