Eggplant and cornbread are the base of this Southwestern Eggplant Dressing recipe. Add in all sorts of veggies, including green chilies, for a savory side dish or vegetarian entree with unstoppable flavor.
Were you a Downton Abby fan?
I miss it. We also like Heartland, a family-friendly show produced in Canada. Do you know it?
Unlike Downton Abby where the elderly Dowager Countess of Grantham seems to get the best lines, the young neighbor girl Mallory in Heartland often offers opinions no adults would dare speak.
For example: “What is this stuff?” as she looks down at her plate. When told it was Shepherd’s Pie, she remarked, “It looks more like something the shepherd stepped in.”
I hope this recipe doesn’t look that bad, but I’ll admit cooked eggplant is the opposite of photogenic. Is there a word for that? Can somebody help me? In ultrasound, we call it “ultrasound ugly.” Maybe we could call eggplant “food ugly.”
My Obsession with Eggplant…
The unfortunate appearance of eggplant won’t keep me from eating it. I’m obsessed with it. Here’s proof as seen in these recipes already published on this blog: Ratatouille Soup, Roasted Eggplant and Potatoes, and Corn and Eggplant Vegetable Medley.
If you are tired of green beans, broccoli, and carrots, why not try some eggplant. Although I call this “dressing” because it has cornbread in it, you could just as easily substitute rice or quinoa in place of the cornbread.
How to cook eggplant so it doesn’t get mushy?
I’m not a fan of boiled eggplant as called for in so many eggplant recipes. I much prefer to grill it using a grill pan, so it doesn’t get mushy. In the absence of a grill pan, sauté the eggplant in a skillet brushed with olive oil.
Since I’m always looking for ways to trim calories, I’m rather sparing with the cheese. Otherwise, I would stir an additional two ounces of shredded Cheddar into the casserole just before baking.
How to make Southwestern Eggplant Dressing:
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Paula
Southwestern Eggplant Dressing
Southwestern Eggplant Dressing uses cornbread as a base with all sorts of veggies added, including green chilies, for a savory side dish or vegetarian entree.
Ingredients
- 1 small to medium eggplant, cooked and diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped red pepper
- 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
- 4 ounce button or portobello mushrooms, sliced or chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground sage
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 cup lowfat milk
- 1 4 oz. can green chilies
- 1 cup fresh or frozen and thawed corn
- 1-1/2 cups crumbled, stale cornbread
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Use greased grill pan or skillet to cook peeled and sliced eggplant, flipping when browned. See picture above. Set aside.
- Melt butter in large skillet. Add onions, celery, peppers, and garlic and saute until soft. Add mushrooms and sage to skillet and cook another 3-4 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over cooked veggies. Stir to distribute evenly. Add milk and continue to stir until thickened. Add cooked and chopped eggplant, green chilies, corn and cornbread crumbs, stirring gently. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Sprinkle cheese over the top during the last 10 minutes.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 241Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 507mgCarbohydrates: 34gFiber: 3gSugar: 6gProtein: 8g
Post Related to Southwestern Eggplant Dressing:
Bobbie Bentneedle
Tuesday 24th of February 2015
My husband's beloved grandma used to make eggplant dressing - and I've missed it for years now. Don't think this is the same recipe as her's since she used stovetop stuffing mix in her's but this sounds mighty tasty, so I'll try this out on the clan ;0}
Paula
Wednesday 25th of February 2015
Bobbie, For years, Wyatt's cafeteria used to make an eggplant dressing with white bread. I think it was quite popular. Wonder if Grandma's recipe was anything like that one. Thanks for writing.
Betty
Monday 23rd of February 2015
Eggplant in its natural state is one of the most beautiful vegetables ever- so many gorgeous shades of purple and pink. Cooked eggplant however will never win any beauty contest, but I can forgive it because it is just so delicious! This sounds like a great way to prepare it. :)