Prep time: 15 minutes
Serving: 4 servings of incredible deliciousness
There’s a really good reason why gout sufferers can be perceived as being paranoid about the foods they consume. Gout is a painful and debilitating form of arthritis that is caused by excess levels of uric acid in the body.
In a nutshell, uric acid is produced as the body breaks down chemical substances called purines. Purines are found naturally in the body as well as in many of the foods we consume.
However, having an excessive amount of purines may cause an excess amount of uric acid to be produced. This may lead to the formation of urate crystals which lead to painful gout flare ups in the joints.
Needless to say, watching what you eat is a big deal for gout sufferers.
Gout requires a balanced diet. It is not a treatment or cure, but the healthier your diet, the less likely you are to have gout episodes and flare ups. Certain foods should be avoided, while others can be consumed in greater quantities.
The two basic cannelloni recipes are well-known: conventional meat-filled cannelloni and the healthy cheese and spinach variant. Another vegetarian alternative is Cannelloni Parmigiana Stuffed With Aubergines, which would satisfy even the most diehard traditionalists.
What’s So Special About Cannelloni Parmigiana?
This quick vegetarian pasta bake is perfect for a weeknight meal. Fill the cannelloni with sauteed aubergine and bake with mozzarella and pesto sauce made with chili.
Ingredients to use:
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 500g garlic and basil passata
- 100g mascarpone cheese
- 1 finely sliced red onion
- 125g mozzarella cheese, ripped into chunks
- 2 aubergines, roughly sliced into 2cm portions
- 4 tbsp chili pesto (or, for non-vegetarians, ‘nduja pesto)
- Cannelloni tubes, 250g
Key Gout-Fighting Ingredients
Basil
Basil used to be almost exclusively used in Mediterranean cuisines. In fact, in ancient Greece, it was widely regarded as a noble herb. Nowadays, however, basil is a very popular ingredient that is used in a wide variety of snacks, salads, and exquisite meals.
Basil is a popular ingredient that has quite a lot of medicinal purposes. Most commonly, it is used as an antidepressant. It is also used to help clear acne, parasites, bronchitis, fever, and many other conditions.
More importantly to us, gout sufferers, are the fact that basil is an excellent stimulant for the kidneys. Studies have shown that using basil to stimulate the kidneys helps lower uric acid levels. This type of treatment is known to reduce uric acid levels and relieve pain in gout and arthritis patients.
Garlic
Although some experts claim that garlic has health benefits for gout and arthritis, there is no scientific proof to support this claim. Garlic is safe to eat for gout patients. Garlic has anti-inflammatory qualities and isn’t high in purines, so it’s safe to take in moderation.
However, moderation in everything is the key to battling gout. From this perspective, you may eat high purine foods, but only in moderation and modest amounts.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is a lipid derived from the fruit of the olive tree. Olea europaea, or olive tree, is a traditional Mediterranean tree crop. To obtain the distinctive oil, the olives are crushed whole.
Olives can be eaten whole or diced, and they can also be used to make pizzas and other dishes. Olive oil can be used as a bread dip as well.
Olive oil has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. Its constituents include at least nine different types of polyphenols, as well as over 24 anti-inflammatory chemicals. All these chemicals have the potential to reduce or shut down about 100 inflammation-causing genes.
Eggplants
Eggplants, also known as aubergines, are nightshade plants that are used in a variety of dishes around the world. Although they are frequently misidentified as vegetables, they are fruits because they are produced by a blooming plant and contain seeds.
Eggplants are a nutrient-dense food, which means they are high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber while being low in calories. Eggplants are high in antioxidants and a variety of vitamins and minerals.
As if these facts weren’t compelling enough, eggplants may also help you lose weight. Eggplants are a terrific addition to any weight-loss diet because they’re high in fiber and low in calories.
Preparing the Cannelloni Parmigiana Stuffed With Aubergines
- Step1: Preheating the oven to 200°C fan/gas 7 is the first step in making this delectable dish. Then, in a big pan over medium heat, carefully heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Fry the onion for 2 minutes, or until it begins to soften. Pour in the passata and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, over low heat. Take the pan off the heat and add the mascarpone and pesto.
- Step 2: While you’re at it, heat 2 tablespoons of oil in another large pan. Warm it up over medium-high heat. Season with salt and pepper and add the tasty aubergines. Cook it for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it chars and softens. Place aside to cool.
- Step 3: Arrange the cannelloni in a baking dish and fill it with the aubergine. Don’t worry, they should all fit together nicely in an even layer. Any aubergine pieces that remain should be strewn over the cannelloni tubes.
- Step 4: Spread the tomato sauce over the top of the pasta, using a spoon to cover any exposed cannelloni. After scattering the mozzarella over the top, bake for 15-20 minutes, or until brown and bubbling. Allow 5 minutes to rest before serving with a crisp green salad, if desired.
- For the home run: Toss in a handful of basil leaves that have been freshly torn, saving a few smaller leaves for decoration. For a more garlicky flavor, add a few chopped garlic cloves to the onion combination.
Get Ready for a Delicious Feast
We hope you love these and other gout-friendly dishes as much as we do. If you have gout, consult your doctor to determine the best treatment and nutrition alternatives for you.
