Vehemently Vegan: Clean Eggplant Parmesan

I have a legitimate love affair with eggplant parmesan. I used to order it whenever possible. It was perfect. Chewy eggplant, melty cheese, fruity tomato sauce all with a side of pasta. It doesn't get better. Then I became vegan, and my go-to Italian restaurant option went out the window.

I mourned my loss.

Until I realized that it wasn't about the cheese or the fried exterior. It was all about the eggplant. I love eggplant.

I can't resist picking up a perfectly smooth, deep purple eggplant when I see one. So, I started experimenting. I made it about the eggplant. I wanted something that resembled eggplant parmesan but was vegan and furthermore, clean. I wanted it to have a little protein and a lot of flavor. And I wanted a side of pasta.

Clean Eggplant Parmesan

1 eggplant
2 tsp coconut oil
1 cup cauliflower florets (about 1/4 head of cauliflower)
1/2 cup chickpeas
3-4 cloves garlic
1 tbsp dried basil
1 tbsp dried oregano
1/2 tbsp dried thyme
1 tbsp fresh parsley
1 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional)
salt & pepper
1 can tomato sauce, preferably salt-free, organic with little/no preservatives

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheet with foil. Use 1 tsp of coconut oil and rub over the foil. Cut eggplant into disks. Place disks onto lined baking sheet. Use another tsp of coconut oil on your hands and run a small amount onto each eggplant disk. Salt and pepper eggplant if you desire. Bake at 350 for 5-7 mins on each side. Time varies depending on thickness of the eggplant, so keep an eye on it!

Steam cauliflower until a little past fork tender, about 10 mins. Move cauliflower into food processor. Add in garlic and chickpeas. Process on high for a few mins until contents are smooth. Add in seasonings-- basil, oregano, thyme, parsley, nutritional yeast, salt and pepper. Blend until well incorporated.

Use a 9x5 pan and cover the bottom with tomato sauce. Layer baked eggplant, creamed cauliflower and more tomato sauce until all eggplant is used. You might have some extra sauce or creamed cauliflower on your hands. I don't think you will complain.