VEGETARIAN KALE CAESAR SALAD WITH EGGPLANT ‘BACON’

PREP 15 MINS COOK 15 MINS

SERVES 2 AS A MAIN

2 x 40g slices wholemeal sourdough bread or gluten-free bread, cut into small cubes

1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

150g kale, centre ribs removed Juice of

1 lemon

Freshly ground black pepper

2 Tbsp 97% fat-free mayonnaise

or gluten-free mayonnaise

2 tsp Dijon mustard or gluten-free mustard

1 Tbsp nutritional yeast flakes (see Cook’s Tip)

3 tsp salt-reduced soy sauce or gluten-free soy sauce

1 Tbsp water

EGGPLANT ‘BACON’

1 eggplant

2 Tbsp sugar free maple syrup

2 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp garlic granules

1 To make the eggplant ‘bacon’, preheat oven to 170°C (fan-forced). Line two baking trays with baking paper. Use a mandoline or sharp knife to very thinly slice the eggplant into long lengthways slices. Mix the maple syrup, paprika and garlic granules in a small bowl. Put the slices on the lined trays and spray lightly with cooking spray. Cook in oven for 10-15 minutes or until beginning to crisp, then brush with the maple syrup mixture and cook for another 5 minutes or until really crisp.

2 Line a third tray with baking paper. Toss the bread cubes and oil and spread out in a single layer over the lined tray. Bake for

10-12 minutes or until the cubes are golden and toasted. 3 Meanwhile, tip kale into large bowl and add lemon juice and black pepper. Massage really well with clean hands; set aside for 10 minutes. Mix mayonnaise, mustard, yeast flakes, soy sauce and water in a small bowl. Add to kale; toss to coat.

3 Divide the dressed kale between two plates. Break the aubergine ‘bacon’ into shards and sprinkle on top with the croutons. Serve.

COOK’S TIP Nutritional yeast flakes are available from the health food section of the supermarket.

Nutrition info

PER SERVE 1380kJ, protein 12g, total fat 12g (sat. fat 2g), carbs 33g, fibre 13g, sodium 769mg • Carb exchanges 2 • GI estimate low

PER SERVE (with ½ cup chickpeas) 1790kJ, protein 18g, total fat 14g (sat. fat 3g), carbs 45g, fibre 17g, sodium 790mg • Carb exchanges 3 • GI estimate low