How many carbs in eggplant parmesan?

How Many Carbs in Eggplant Parmesan?

Eggplant parmesan is a popular Italian-American dish that consists of breaded and fried eggplant slices topped with melted mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce, served with a side of pasta or garlic bread. While it’s a delicious and satisfying meal, many people are concerned about the carbohydrate content of this dish. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of how many carbs are in eggplant parmesan and provide some tips for making a lower-carb version.

Direct Answer: How Many Carbs in Eggplant Parmesan?

The carbohydrate content of eggplant parmesan can vary depending on the ingredients and cooking methods used. However, on average, a serving of eggplant parmesan (approximately 3 ounces or 85g) can contain around 20-25 grams of carbohydrates.

Breakdown of Carbohydrates in Eggplant Parmesan

Here’s a breakdown of the carbohydrates in eggplant parmesan:

• Eggplant: 1 medium-sized eggplant contains around 6-7 grams of carbohydrates.
• Breading: A 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs contains around 10-12 grams of carbohydrates.
• Pasta (if served with pasta): 1 cup of cooked pasta contains around 40-50 grams of carbohydrates.
• Marinara sauce: 1 cup of marinara sauce contains around 10-12 grams of carbohydrates.
• Mozzarella cheese: 1 ounce (28g) of mozzarella cheese contains around 1 gram of carbohydrates.

Carbohydrate-Rich Ingredients to Watch Out For

Here are some carbohydrate-rich ingredients to watch out for in eggplant parmesan:

• Pasta: If you’re serving your eggplant parmesan with pasta, you’ll want to keep an eye on the carb count. A single serving of pasta can easily exceed 50 grams of carbohydrates.
• Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs are a common ingredient in eggplant parmesan, and they can add a significant amount of carbohydrates to the dish. Look for whole-grain breadcrumbs or try using almond meal or panko breadcrumbs for a lower-carb alternative.
• Marinara sauce: While marinara sauce is a healthier alternative to other sauces, it still contains a significant amount of carbohydrates. Look for a low-carb or sugar-free marinara sauce option or make your own using fresh tomatoes and herbs.

Tips for Making a Lower-Carb Eggplant Parmesan

Here are some tips for making a lower-carb eggplant parmesan:

• Use a whole-grain breadcrumb mixture: Instead of using regular breadcrumbs, try using a whole-grain breadcrumb mixture or almond meal for a lower-carb alternative.
• Use a lower-carb pasta: If you still want to serve your eggplant parmesan with pasta, try using a lower-carb pasta option like zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
• Make your own marinara sauce: Instead of using a store-bought marinara sauce, make your own using fresh tomatoes and herbs. This will not only reduce the carbohydrate content but also add more flavor to the dish.
• Use less cheese: While mozzarella cheese is delicious, it’s also high in carbohydrates. Try using a lighter layer of cheese or using a lower-carb cheese alternative like ricotta cheese.

Carbohydrate Content of Eggplant Parmesan by Serving Size

Here’s a breakdown of the carbohydrate content of eggplant parmesan by serving size:

Conclusion

Eggplant parmesan is a delicious and satisfying Italian-American dish that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. While it does contain a significant amount of carbohydrates, there are ways to make a lower-carb version by using whole-grain breadcrumbs, lower-carb pasta, and making your own marinara sauce. By being mindful of the carbohydrate content of each ingredient and making a few simple swaps, you can enjoy a lower-carb eggplant parmesan that’s just as tasty as the original.