Keto Eggplant Manicotti, a dish that brilliantly swaps traditional pasta for tender slices of eggplant, enveloping a rich and creamy filling.
I don’t want to exaggerate but this dish is a culinary masterpiece that not only satisfies those Italian food cravings but also keeps you right on track with your keto journey. I’ve personally enjoyed this dish on cozy evenings, and I’m thrilled to share this gem with you.
Eggplant is one of the world’s healthiest foods. Everyone will recognize it for its purple, glossy beauty as well as its unique pleasantly bitter taste and spongy texture.
But few know that it contains fiber, copper, manganese, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and thiamine. It is “brain food” because it may protect brain cell membranes from damage caused by free radicals (1).
In addition to its vast number of vitamins and minerals, eggplant also contains important phytonutrients, many of which have antioxidant activity.
Eggplants are unique because their antioxidant capacity increases after you cook it (2). Many fruits and vegetables lose nutrients when you heat them because it kills off sensitive nutrients.
This low carb veggie is also a great substitute for traditional manicotti pasta noodles which are not allowed on a keto diet as they contain too many carbs. Gluten is also highly inflammatory for some people and contributes to inflammation in the gut.
This makes eggplant an ideal low-carb vegetable to cook with. It contains the antioxidants chlorogenic and caffeic acids, which have been shown to protect against high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease (3).
Chlorogenic acids also help regulate blood sugar levels to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes (4). They may also contain antibacterial and anticarcinogenic activities (5).
The dairy products in this recipe help increase the bioavailability of the antioxidant nutrients in the eggplant, which makes this recipe perfectly balanced.
My recipe calls for several kinds of cheese, including Ricotta, cream cheese, parmesan, mozzarella, and sour cream. Dairy foods may contribute to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes (6, 7).
You can serve this keto manicotti as is or make it a side to grilled pork chops or steak. Eggplant Manicotti and Beef Zucchini Moussaka are my go-to dinner when I want to treat my family.
How to Make Low Carb Eggplant Manicotti
Start by slicing the eggplant lengthwise using either a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife. This will be your low carb manicotti shells.
Arrange the slices on a baking tray. Sprinkle with salt and let them sit for 10 minutes to release moisture. Then blot them with a paper towel.
Sprinkle the slices with olive oil and bake for 10 to 15 minutes at 375 degrees F.
Meanwhile, combine the cheeses, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mix.
When the eggplant is done, take the slices out of the oven and spoon a mixture of the cheese inside. Roll the slices up.
Pour the marinara sauce on the bottom of the casserole pan and arrange the rolls on top.
Sprinkle with cheese and bake for 30 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve hot!
More Low-Carb Eggplant Recipes:
- Classic Greek Moussaka with Eggplant and Chicken
- Baked Stuffed Eggplant with Cheese and Tomato
- Low Carb Eggplant Lasagna
- Low Carb Zucchini Lasagna
Keto Eggplant Manicotti
Ingredients
- 1 eggplant large, sliced lengthwise
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tbsp cream cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup Parmesan grated (plus more for garnish, optional)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup mozzarella shredded
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp parsley chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F.
- Slice eggplant lengthwise using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife. Arrange eggplant slices on a tray or baking sheet, sprinkle with salt and let them rest for 10 minutes to release the moisture. Blot with a towel.
- Sprinkle eggplant slices with olive oil, transfer to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
- Take eggplant slices out of the oven. Spoon ricotta mixture into each eggplant slice and roll it up.
- Pour homemade marinara into the bottom of a casserole dish. Arrange eggplant rolls on top of the sauce and sprinkle mozzarella on the top.
- Place into the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until cheese is melted and golden.
- Let sit 3-5 minutes and serve sprinkled with more Parmesan and chopped parsley.
Video
Nutrition/Macros
FAQ
What is a good substitute for manicotti shells on keto diet?
On a keto diet, a good substitute for manicotti shells is thinly sliced eggplant or zucchini, which can be rolled to mimic the traditional pasta shell.
How to reheat eggplant manicotti
To reheat eggplant manicotti, you can place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through, ensuring it’s covered with foil to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
