Eggplant Pizza

Eggplant Pizza: Your Low-Carb Solution to Pizza Cravings

Missing pizza on your weight loss journey? This eggplant pizza delivers everything you love about pizza night without the carb-heavy crust that leaves you feeling sluggish. Tender eggplant slices become the base for savory pizza sauce, melted mozzarella, and fresh herbs that satisfy your craving while keeping you on track.

The secret is treating eggplant like a canvas for all your favorite pizza toppings. When roasted properly, eggplant develops a tender, almost meaty texture that holds toppings beautifully. You get the hand-held satisfaction of pizza with a fraction of the carbohydrates.

Want more creative ways to enjoy your favorite foods while losing weight? Schedule your consultation with Dr. Lara to discover how his medical weight loss program helps you create sustainable eating habits.

Why Eggplant Makes the Perfect Pizza Base

Eggplant is a nutrition powerhouse that's often overlooked. One cup contains just 20 calories while delivering fiber, potassium, and powerful antioxidants. The mild flavor takes on whatever seasonings you add, making it incredibly versatile for recipes like this.

For patients following Dr. Lara's program, eggplant pizza represents the kind of creative problem-solving that makes weight loss sustainable. You're not giving up pizza - you're reimagining it in a way that serves your body better. This is the difference between restrictive dieting that fails and lifestyle changes that last.

Ingredients

Serves: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Protein Servings: 1 serving per portion
Sugar: 3.9 tsp per recipe

• 1 large eggplant
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½-1 cup no sugar added pizza sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ yellow onion, sliced
• 1 cup fresh baby spinach
• Sea salt and ground pepper to taste
• ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup chopped fresh oregano
• Crushed red pepper (optional)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a baking stone.

Prepare Eggplant Base

1. Slice the eggplant lengthwise into pieces about ¼-⅓ inch thick
2. Brush or rub a little olive oil on each side of the eggplant slices
3. Place on prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with salt and pepper
4. Bake for 7-10 minutes until eggplant is hot and starting to soften

Create the Topping Mixture

1. While eggplant bakes, heat ½ tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat
2. Add minced garlic and sliced onion, sauté until soft (3-4 minutes)
3. Season with salt and pepper
4. Add pizza sauce and fresh spinach to the skillet
5. Cook for 1-2 additional minutes until mixture is warm and spinach has wilted

Assemble and Finish

1. Remove eggplant slices from the oven
2. Top each slice with the onion and spinach mixture
3. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and chopped oregano
4. Return to oven for approximately 5 minutes until cheese has melted and is bubbly

Serve

Serve immediately, topped with additional fresh oregano and crushed red pepper if desired.

Pro tip: For crispier eggplant, salt the slices and let them sit for 15 minutes before cooking. This draws out excess moisture. Pat dry before brushing with oil.

Customization Ideas

This recipe is endlessly adaptable to your preferences. Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives to the topping mixture. Use different cheeses like feta, goat cheese, or an Italian blend. For extra protein, top with cooked turkey sausage or grilled chicken.

Make it spicier by adding red pepper flakes to the sauce or using hot Italian sausage. Prefer it milder? Skip the crushed red pepper and use sweet bell peppers instead of onions in the topping mixture.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 195
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Sugar: 8g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 6g

More Healthy Recipes from Dr. Lara

Looking for other creative low-carb alternatives? Try these:

• Eggplant Fries - Another delicious eggplant recipe
• Zucchini Noodle Pesto Bowl with Grilled Shrimp - Pasta alternative
• Cauliflower Pizza Crust - Traditional pizza shape
• Tortilla-less Chicken Fajitas - Skip the wrap

Weight loss doesn't mean boring food or endless deprivation. Contact Dr. Lara's office to learn how our medical weight loss program teaches you to enjoy delicious meals while achieving your health goals.