Meatless Monday : Low calorie vegan - Italian stuffed aubergine

Although it is low calorie, this main is a little special for an Easter lunch - delicious too!  At only around 375 calories a portion, what's not to like!

Low calorie vegan - Italian stuffed aubergine
Serves 2 

You will need

2 medium aubergines
olive oil spray
1 tbsp organic olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic 
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp basil
1/2 tsp pink salt
1 tsp cider vinegar
50g tomato puree
8 cherry tomatoes, halved
150g brown rice, cooked
4 tbsp sweetcorn
20g vegan cheese top (optional)

Cut the aubergine in two and cut round with a knife just inside the skin.  Scoop out the flesh and put to one side. Place the shells on a baking tray and spray with olive oil spray.  Bake at 180 degrees for around 20 minutes.

Meanwhile cook the brown rice with the sweetcorn.  While the rice is cooking heat the oil and cook the onion until starting to soften then add the garlic,herbs and salt, continue cooking. When the rice is ready, drain and stir into the vegetables with the tomato puree and halved cherry tomatoes.

Remove the aubergine shells from the oven and fill with the vegetable and rice mixture. 

Return to the oven for a further 5-10 minutes with a sprinkling of vegan cheese if using.  

Enjoy with a side salad.

Note  - a woman needs to eat 1200-1500 calories per day to lose a pound a week, a man around 2000.