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As a women’s health dietitian specializing in gut health and hormones, I love creating recipes that not only taste amazing but also support your body from the inside out. This Festive Roasted Eggplant with Pomegranate Seeds is no exception!
Eggplant is rich in fiber and antioxidants, making it a fantastic food for gut health. Paired with juicy pomegranate seeds, which are loaded with polyphenols, this dish helps nourish beneficial gut bacteria while also providing natural support for hormone balance. It’s not just delicious—it’s a science-backed way to help you boost GLP-1 naturally, a hormone that plays a key role in appetite regulation and digestion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe.
Nutrient-Dense: Packed with fiber, antioxidants, and plant compounds to support gut and hormone health.
Gut-Friendly: The combination of roasted eggplant and pomegranate seeds promotes a healthy gut microbiome.
Hormone-Supportive: This dish helps increase GLP-1 naturally, a key hormone for blood sugar balance and appetite control.
Festive and Versatile: Perfect as a holiday side dish for your next gathering or easy weeknight dinner idea.
Ingredients.
Eggplant. A gut healthy super food.
Apple Cider Vinegar. Adds a tart little zing of flavor.
Maple Syrup. For a touch of sweetness.
Spices. Red pepper flakes, salt, paprika, za'atar seasoning.
Pomegranate seeds. Juicy little flavor bombs with major nutritional benefits.
Why This Recipe is a Hormone Hero.
Eggplant and pomegranate make a powerful duo for gut and hormone health:
Eggplant: High in fiber and antioxidants, it feeds gut bacteria that support GLP-1 production, helping to naturally balance hunger and improve digestion.
Pomegranate Seeds: Rich in polyphenols that reduce inflammation and enhance gut health, they also offer a burst of flavor and festive color.
Za'atar Spice Blend: Za'atar seasoning can be found at most grocery stores, it's a Middle Eastern blend of spices known for being exceptionally high in antioxidants and even hosting medicinal qualities like calming inflammation and easing period cramps.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Vinegar with meals has been shown to support blood sugar balance.
If you’re exploring new ways to incorporate eggplant into your diet, this recipe with roasted eggplant is a delicious start. Not only does it satisfy your taste buds, but it also supports your body’s ability to boost GLP-1 naturally.
By prioritizing foods that enhance gut health, like this baked eggplant recipe, you’re taking steps toward better hormone balance, improved digestion, and sustained energy levels.
How to Incorporate Roasted Eggplant into Your Diet
This dish isn’t just a beautiful addition to your holiday table; it’s also incredibly versatile. Use it as:
A side dish with roasted chicken, beef shawarma, or fish.
A topping for warm flatbreads or a hearty salad.
I also think this eggplant would me amazing with a topping of honey whipped ricotta or goat cheese crumbles (pleeeease let me know if you give this idea a try!).
Don't forget to tag me on Instagram or leave a comment below. I can't wait to see how you love this one. Your hormones and gut will thank you!
Festive Roasted Eggplant with Pomegranate Seeds
Makes 6 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
INGREDIENTS
2 Eggplant (small/med), sliced into thin circles.
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
2 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
1 Tbsp Maple Syrup
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp Red Pepper flakes
1/4 tsp Paprika
3/4 tsp Za'atar Spice blend
4 oz Pomegranate seeds (1 small container or 1 fruit)
INSTRUCTIONS
How to bake eggplant perfectly.
Step 1: Preheat oven to 415 F.
Step 2: Wash, dry, and slice eggplant into thin circles.
Step 3: In a small bowl, combine oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup and spices. In a large bowl, toss all eggplant slices in your oil mixture, be sure to coat well on both sides.
Step 4: Use an oil spray to lightly grease an oven safe pan and arrange all eggplant slices in a single layer.
Step 5: Cook for 20 minutes, then flip eggplant slices and top with pomegranate seeds. Bake for another 10-15 minutes or until eggplant easily cuts with a fork.
Serving Suggestion:
Serve warm as one of your easy Thanksgiving sides or enjoy as a yummy vegetable side dish any time of year!
Weeknight meal suggestion: Beef shawarma on whole wheat pita with Roasted Eggplant and Pomegranate seeds.
Product Links:
FAQ's
How long can I store Roasted Eggplant?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Is it still good re-heated?
Yes! While this dish is best served fresh out of the oven, you can also enjoy it re-heated up to 5 days.
You mentioned topping it with a Whipped Honey Ricotta?
Stop. I'm drooling.
I'm envisioning a thick piece of toasted sourdough topped with warm eggplant slices, pomegranate seeds, this Whipped Ricotta and a light drizzle of honey. Now tell me that doesn't sound ah-mazing?? Do it. Let me know.
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