Nourish You: Postpartum Recipe Series ~ Baked Eggplant “Boats”
It can be hard to find the time and energy to eat well when you’re in the thick of parenting a new baby - cue your Bridgetown Baby team, equipped with recipes and kitchen know-how to nurture and nourish. Nourish You is our series of favorite recipes, highlighting seasonal ingredients in healthy recipes, to fuel the postpartum period - this one comes from extended Bridgetown Baby family member Helen.
Helen’s note about the recipe
During my recent postpartum period I ate this a lot! There’s something so comforting about the texture of baked eggplant, and when paired with tomatoes & mozzarella it feels a bit like a pizza, but with added flavor. It’s simple to put together (the eggplants can be baked well in advance to speed up the final stages), can be reheated (it’s even better the next day) and is as comforting as comfort food can be.
Baked Eggplant “Boats” Recipe
Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 large eggplants
1 can (15 ounce) diced tomatoes
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp oregano
Optional: 2 medium balls of mozzarella OR breadcrumbs &/or Parmesan; substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs or panko, if desired
½ teaspoon salt (leave out if you’re feeding the whole family, simply season to taste afterwards) & pepper to taste
Toppings (optional)
Basil leaves/oregano
How to prepare Baked Eggplant “Boats”
This is a dish that comes together quickly, especially if you’ve had the chance to prep beforehand or had prep help from your postpartum doula or other support people. It’s also great reheated, or even eaten cold with salad. You can skip the cheese & simply use breadcrumbs, or your favorite topping.
Here’s the quick run-down:
Cut the eggplants longways and score in a criss-cross pattern. Brush lightly with olive oil & place in a medium oven (350 Fahrenheit) for 60-90 minutes until soft.
Blitz the tomatoes in the blender until smooth(ish)
Over medium heat, heat the oil in a large skillet with a lid & add the onions. Fry until translucent.
Add the tomatoes, herbs and season to taste. If sharing with little ones, you can leave the salt out.
Spread the tomato over the eggplants. You can be generous.
Now the “hard work” is pretty much done! If using it, simply cut the mozzarella into discs and place on top. If using parmesan grate & scatter. Or if skipping the cheese altogether, cover with breadcrumbs.
Put back in the oven for 15-20 minutes checking every now and then. You can always broil at the end for golden cheese.
Extras can be kept in the fridge for a few days for bonus lunches or dinners.
Here are some other kitchen tips from Bridgetown Baby’s postpartum doula team - for maximum taste, good health and ease of preparation:
Buy fresh at your local Portland, Oregon-area farmers market or through produce delivery services like a local CSA (community supported agriculture)
Group similar tasks, such as cutting all ingredients, and then clear the workspace of extra implements (bonus if you give the implements a quick wash or put them in the dishwasher so that clean-up isn’t so daunting at the end)
Cut extra fruits or veggies to use for snacking or for other meals during the week
Get up to speed on how to store ingredients correctly for health and best flavor
Learn how to best freeze foods so you can set aside a portion or two to pull out on an especially busy day
Check out other recipes on the Bridgetown Baby blog
If you need support to afford nutritious food, check out resources like WIC, OR Food Assistance, and Urban Gleaners
As postpartum doulas, nourishing our clients is the heart of the work we do.
Some days, it may look like providing emotional support or doing the household tasks that keep your home humming along so that you can focus on the important work of bonding as a family. Other days, it might involve a quiet flurry of activity in the kitchen (possibly wearing your baby in a wrap or other carrier) to prepare meals and snacks to feed your whole family.
Nutrition can play a key role in recovery for the birthing parent, including improving energy, protecting against perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, and preventing bone density loss over the long-term. For both parents, eating food that you enjoy and that is good for your body can be extra supportive during a time of transition and sleep deprivation.
