RECIPE WEDNESDAY: Eggplant Nuggets

I found another great recipe off from The Earth Diet that I will be adding to my list of eats soon!  These Eggplant Nuggets look delicious and the recipe can be found below.

Did you know that Eggplants are incredibly healthy for you?  According to my research, I have found some of the top benefits of this nightshade plant and what they can do for you and your health!  I am definitely putting Eggplant into my diet more often.

The iron, calcium and other minerals in eggplant supply the essential nutrients required by the body.  

Eggplants contain certain essential phyto nutrients which improve blood circulation and nourish the brain. But remember—these nutrients are concentrated in the skin of the eggplant, so don’t char and throw it away.

They provide fiber, which protects the digestive tract. In fact, regular intake of eggplants can protect you from colon cancer.

Eggplant is low in calories, with just 35 per cup. It contains no fat and its high fiber content can help you feel full.

For centuries, eggplants have been used for controlling and managing diabetes. Modern research validates this role, thanks to the high fiber and low soluble carbohydrate content of the eggplant.

Eggplants have a role in heart care, too. Research studies show they can lower ‘bad’ cholesterol. But you must cook them the right way to get these benefits. Fried eggplant soaks up a lot of fat, making it harmful and heavy. Instead, bake it at 400 degrees, which brings out glorious flavor and gives you all the goodness an eggplant holds!

The heart-healthy benefits of eggplant don’t end with limiting cholesterol. Eggplants are high in bioflavonoids, which are known to control high blood pressure and relieve stress.

Regular consumption of eggplant helps prevent blood clots—thanks again to Vitamin K and bioflavonoids, which strengthen capillaries.

EGGPLANT NUGGETS RECIPE

Serves 4

Ingredients:
3 large eggplants
4 eggs
(vegans can use olive oil or coconut oil mixed with honey to make the nugget coating stick to the eggplant)
3 cups of Almonds (or use hemp seeds as an alternative)
1/2 tablespoons of Turmeric
3 tablespoons of Himalayan Salt
1 teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper (more if you want it spicy)
Extra virgin Coconut Oil for cooking

Action:1. Chop the egg plant into cubes for the nuggets.
2. In a bowl whisk the eggs. Drop the eggplant cubes into the egg and let it soak.
3. Mix the turmeric, almonds, cayenne pepper and himalayan salt in a blender until you have a smooth crumbly consistency.
4. Place one eggplant cube at a time into the spice coating mix and cover well. Do this with all of them.
5. In a fry pan heat the oil. When it is hot and sizzling add the eggplant nuggets to the pan and let it cook until the outside is a crunchy golden brown.
6. Serve with TED chips, wedges, sweet potato fries or tomato sauce! Whatever else you would like to eat it with!

SUGGESTION: 
+ FOR MEAT EATERS: Use Chicken for Chicken Nuggets

This recipe is GLUTEN FREE, REFINED SUGAR FREE, DAIRY FREE, SOY FREE.