Keto African-Spiced Lasagna with Eggplant Noodles

Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants, sliced lengthwise into 1/8 inch strips
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground lamb
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes, no sugar added
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Berbere spice blend (or substitute with 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne, 1/2 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground cumin)
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tsp Salted Perfection Smokin' Chipotle Finishing Salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Lay eggplant slices on baking sheets lined with parchment, brush both sides lightly with olive oil, and roast 15 minutes, flipping halfway, until pliable but not mushy. Set aside to cool.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Add onions, ginger, and garlic; sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 4 minutes.
3. Add ground beef and lamb, breaking up meat with a spoon. Cook until browned and no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Stir in Berbere spice blend, cinnamon, cloves, and Salted Perfection Smokin' Chipotle Finishing Salt. Cook spices with meat for 2 minutes to bloom those flavors.
5. Add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, stir well, and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to thicken sauce. Adjust salt to taste.
6. In a 9x9 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Layer eggplant slices to cover, then dollop half the ricotta cheese evenly, followed by a third of the mozzarella. Repeat layering once more ending with eggplant and remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
7. Cover tightly with foil and bake 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is golden and bubbly.
8. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing to set. Garnish with chopped parsley. Remember, as I always say, 'You’re only as good as your last bite, so make it count!'
9. Visit www.saltedperfection.com and leave a Five Star review of the product.