Aubergine, Goats Cheese & Spinach Shakshuka

Aubergine, Goats Cheese & Spinach Shakshuka

There are many versions of Shakshuka and, whichever one you choose, it is a meal or even a hearty snack that will not leave you disappointed.

One of my clients has recently sent me one of Ottolenghi’s recipes that was featured in his column in The Guardian earlier this year.

Firstly, I absolutely love Ottolenghi and his creative and modern twist on Middle Eastern cuisine. Secondly, I had some aubergines and did not want to see go to waste. And, to make it slightly more balanced and adopted for my clients needs, came out a delicious twist on a Shakshuka favourite, inspired by Ottolenghi.

Aubergine, Goats Cheese & Spinach Shakshuka

Aubergine, Goats Cheese & Spinach Shakshuka
Aubergine, Goats Cheese & Spinach Shakshuka

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 Aubergines, peeled & cut into 1 cm round chunks
  • 2 cans of chopped tomato
  • 200 gr of goats cheese cut into 1 cm cubes (alternatively, use same amount of tofu/ tampeh or 3 eggs per person)
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil,
  • 4 gloves of garlic, finely chopped,
  • 100 gr of spinach, washed and chopped
  • season with cumin or garama masala, chilli flakes, black pepper, salt
  • garnish with coriander or basil

METHOD:

Heat the oven to its highest setting.

Peel and slice aubergines into 1 cm thick circle chunks, put on a baking tray, spray with olive oil and season with black pepper and little bit of salt. Roast for 20-30 minutes.

Meanwhile, make the sauce. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium sized, oven proof frying pan on a medium – high heat. Once oil is hot, add garlic and cook stirring occasionally for up to 2 minutes.

Turn down the heat and add tomato, stir for 10 minutes and season with cumin or garama masala, black pepper and salt.

Once the sauce has thickened, stir in spinach and add aubergines. Top with goats cheese and then grill for 10 minutes or until cheese has softened.

Top with some basil or coriander and serve.

Enjoy and feel free to let me know how you found it!

Hrbalife Nutrition Formula 1 Healthy Breakfast Independent Herbalife Nutrition Member Bath UK

Breadless Sandwiches are the way forward…

So, why go through a whole trouble of replacing food staple such as bread and putting, instead, grilled sliced aubergines or courgettes instead? Simple, bread makes me bloated, as it does quite a few people I know. Also, 1 slice of bread happens to be the recommended Government serving of carbs per mal, so, two slices needed for a sandwich just makes the whole meal go out of balance. Yes, even if you use wholemeal/ whole grain (and I hope you doo)… You see, any excess carbs will be stored as fat and anything more than one single slice will pretty much put majority of people in exactly that kind of scenario and we do not want that.

So, finding a way to enjoy sandwiches whilst being pretty smart about it, is quite cool and, as I found, even more delicious. Breadless sandwiches are a great way to enjoy your light dinner or lunch with a difference. Grilled aubergines and courgettes filled with egg omelette, tomato, spinach and feta cheese,are above pictured. I sometimes even put grilled chicken and vegetables. Absolutely delightful, balanced and delicious with added fibre and nutrients.

Alternatively, have an open sandwich, like the one pictured below. My option for that is usually rye bread. Or to avoid highly processed what bread – use spelt bread… still one slice if you want your meal well-balanced. I wont apologise for this advice, you may actually thank me for it 🙂 as it may revolutionise your weight management efforts. You are welcome.

Enjoy!

Hrbalife Nutrition Formula 1 Healthy Breakfast Independent Herbalife Nutrition Member Bath UK

Jacket Aubergine

Yes, you’ve heard me! I have actually seen a similar recipe in one of my favourite cook books after discovering Yotam Ottolenghi. One of my best friends and clients from the United States and her friend (both called Maida) introduced me to Ottolenghi and even sent me his PLENTY, Vibrant Vegetable Recipe from London’s Ottolenghi all the way from USA as his cooking is absolutely superb. I just love the colours and ingredients he uses.