Vegetable Pasta Bake

This vegetable pasta bake has quickly become a go-to dinner of ours. It’s a great throw together meal as you can use whatever vegetables you have on hand. If you’re following a strictly vegan or dairy-free diet, you can omit cheese or replace with a dairy-free cheese alternative.

We use a gluten free pasta made from rice and amaranth however you can use pasta of choice. We recommend garnishing with broccoli sprouts, chopped parsley and/or toasted pine nuts.

Want to know the health benefits of Eggplant?

Eggplant (Aubergine) is a member of the solanaceae, or nightshade family, along with tomatoes, capsicum and potato.  This family has become very controversial as some people are sensitive to foods from this family.  As we have discussed, people can be sensitive, or even allergic to any food.   The focus on avoiding these foods advocated in some diets dismisses the many nutritional benefits.  Some of the key nutritional benefits include:

• Good source of a variety of nutrients, including vitamins including A, B1 (thiamine), B6, B9 (folate) C and K;  as well as minerals, including manganese, calcium, magnesium and potassium.
• Protection against Cancer and heart disease. This is due to high quantity of anti-oxidant phytonutrients, such as chlorogenic acid.
• High in dietary fibre, whilst low in calories
• Brain and Heart health: The purple skin of eggplant contains an antioxidant flavonoid compound called nasunin.  Studies have shown this particular anti-oxidant to protect brain cell membranes, the critical structure surrounding the brain cells that facilitates transport of essential nutrients into cells and removal of waste out of cells, as well as allowing proper message conduction.  This same compound has also been shown to have a positive influence on blood vessels, thereby benefiting cardio-vascular health.

For more quick & easy recipes check out our lunch & dinner recipe collection.