17+ Eggplant Recipes

Eggplant is a versatile vegetable that can be used in many tasty dishes. Its unique flavor and texture make it perfect for a wide range of recipes.

From Italian classics to Middle Eastern favorites, eggplant can be the star of many meals.

You’ll find plenty of ways to cook eggplant in this collection of 16 recipes. These dishes showcase eggplant’s ability to absorb flavors and create satisfying meals.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish for guests, there’s an eggplant recipe here for you.

Get ready to discover new ways to enjoy this purple veggie.

1. Grilled Eggplant Parmesan

Grilled Eggplant Parmesan offers a lighter take on the classic dish. Instead of frying, you’ll grill eggplant slices for a smoky flavor.

Start by slicing eggplant into 1/2-inch rounds. Brush them with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and oregano.

Grill the eggplant slices for about 4 minutes per side until tender and well-marked.

For the sauce, grill tomato halves and onion rings until charred.

Layer the grilled eggplant with tomato sauce and cheese. You can assemble it on the grill or bake it briefly to melt the cheese.

This version keeps the rich flavors of traditional Eggplant Parmesan while cutting down on oil and breading.

2. Eggplant Rollatini

Eggplant rollatini is a tasty Italian dish you’ll love. You start by slicing eggplants thinly lengthwise. Salt them to remove extra moisture.

Next, you’ll make a cheese filling. Roll the filling inside each eggplant slice. Place the rolls in a baking dish with tomato sauce.

Bake the rollatini in a 375°F oven until hot and bubbly. Some recipes add prosciutto or ham to the filling for extra flavor.

You can freeze unbaked rollatini for later. Just wrap it well in plastic and foil. Reheat in a 350°F oven when you’re ready to enjoy it.

3. Spicy Eggplant Stir-Fry

Spicy eggplant stir-fry is a tasty dish that packs a flavorful punch. You can make it with a few simple ingredients and spices.

Start by cutting eggplants into bite-sized pieces. Pan-fry them until soft, then set aside.

In a wok or large pan, stir-fry garlic and onions. Add ground meat if you like, or keep it vegetarian.

Mix in a spicy sauce made with chili oil or paste.

Toss the cooked eggplant back in and stir to coat with the sauce.

The result is a spicy, savory meal that goes great with rice.

You can adjust the heat level to your taste. Add more chili for extra spice, or tone it down for a milder version.

4. Eggplant Caponata

Eggplant Caponata is a tasty Sicilian dish that’s perfect for your next meal. To make it, you’ll start by cutting eggplant into cubes and salting them.

Next, you’ll cook celery, onions, and bell peppers in olive oil until soft. Add the eggplant and cook until it’s golden brown.

The dish gets its unique flavor from a mix of vinegar, sugar, and tomatoes. These ingredients create a sweet and sour taste that’s hard to resist.

Caponata is great as a side dish or spread. You can serve it warm or cold, making it a flexible option for different occasions.

5. Baba Ghanoush

Baba ghanoush is a tasty Middle Eastern dip made from roasted eggplant. To make it, you’ll need to char whole eggplants on a grill or under the broiler until the skin is blackened.

Once cooled, scoop out the soft flesh and mix it with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Some recipes add Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.

Mash the ingredients together, leaving some texture. Chill the dip for 30 minutes to an hour before serving.

Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs like mint or parsley.

Serve baba ghanoush with warm pita bread or fresh vegetables for dipping. It’s a great appetizer or side dish for your next meal.

6. Eggplant Lasagna

Eggplant lasagna is a delicious twist on the classic Italian dish. You’ll love this lighter version that swaps pasta for sliced eggplant.

Start by roasting eggplant slices in the oven. While they cook, prepare a ricotta filling with spinach, herbs, and cheese.

Layer the roasted eggplant, ricotta mixture, and marinara sauce in a baking dish. Repeat the layers until you’ve used all the ingredients.

Bake the lasagna until it’s hot and bubbly.

The result is a satisfying meal packed with veggies and flavor. You can easily make this dish gluten-free or adapt it for vegetarian diets.

Stuffed eggplant boats are a tasty and fun way to enjoy this versatile vegetable. To make them, you’ll cut eggplants in half lengthwise and scoop out most of the flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch border.

The hollowed-out eggplants become the “boats” you’ll fill with a delicious mixture.

Common stuffing ingredients include ground beef, sausage, or a vegetarian mix of chopped vegetables and cheese.

You can customize the filling to your liking. Try adding zucchini, onions, garlic, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

Once stuffed, bake the eggplant boats in a preheated oven until the eggplant is tender and the filling is hot.

This dish is a great way to use eggplant in a new and exciting way. It’s perfect for a filling dinner or as a unique side dish.

8. Eggplant Moussaka

Eggplant Moussaka is a tasty Greek dish that combines layers of eggplant with a flavorful meat sauce and creamy béchamel. To make it, you’ll start by slicing and cooking the eggplant.

Next, prepare the meat sauce using ground lamb or beef, tomatoes, and spices like cinnamon and oregano. Let it simmer until thick.

Layer the cooked eggplant and meat sauce in a baking dish. Some recipes also include sliced potatoes for extra heartiness.

Top it all with a rich béchamel sauce made from butter, flour, and milk. Bake until golden and bubbly.

The result is a comforting casserole perfect for dinner.

9. Eggplant Ratatouille

Eggplant ratatouille is a classic French dish that combines eggplant with other vegetables. You’ll love this flavorful stew made with zucchini, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs.

To make ratatouille, start by sautéing garlic and onions. Add bell peppers, eggplant, and zucchini, then simmer with tomatoes and herbs.

The result is a rich, veggie-packed sauce.

You can serve ratatouille as a side dish or main course. It pairs well with pasta or chicken.

For a tasty appetizer, try spreading it on sliced French bread.

This recipe shines in summer when you can use fresh garden vegetables. It’s a great way to enjoy eggplant’s mild flavor and texture.

10. Roasted Eggplant Salad

Roasted eggplant salad is a tasty and easy dish you can make at home. To prepare it, slice eggplants and roast them in the oven until tender.

Mix the roasted eggplant with fresh tomatoes, bell peppers, and herbs like parsley. Add some spices such as cumin, paprika, and oregano for extra flavor.

You can serve this salad warm or cold. It works great as a side dish or appetizer. The combination of soft eggplant and crunchy vegetables creates a nice mix of textures.

This salad is perfect for summer evenings but can be enjoyed year-round. It’s a healthy option that’s both vegan and gluten-free.

11. Eggplant Curry

Eggplant curry is a tasty and filling dish that’s popular in many cuisines. You can make it with roasted or sautéed eggplant pieces.

To start, cut the eggplant into cubes or slices. Toss them with oil, salt, and pepper before cooking.

You can roast them in the oven or cook them in a pan until they’re soft and lightly browned.

For the curry sauce, use coconut milk as a base. Add spices like turmeric, ginger, and red pepper flakes for flavor.

Some recipes include chickpeas or lentils for extra protein.

Cook everything together until the eggplant is tender and the flavors blend.

Serve your eggplant curry over rice for a satisfying meal.

12. Eggplant and Chickpea Stew

This hearty dish combines two nutritious ingredients for a filling meal. You’ll love the tender eggplant chunks and protein-packed chickpeas simmered in a flavorful sauce.

Start by salting cubed eggplant to remove bitterness. Rinse and pat dry after 30 minutes.

Sauté onions and garlic, then add spices like cumin and paprika.

Stir in tomato paste and roasted eggplant. Add chickpeas and water, then simmer for about 30 minutes.

The stew will thicken as it cooks.

For extra richness, try adding a splash of coconut milk. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Enjoy this comforting stew on its own or with crusty bread.

13. Szechuan Eggplant

Szechuan eggplant brings bold flavors to your plate. This spicy dish combines tender eggplant with a savory sauce.

To make it, cut eggplant into bite-sized pieces. Fry them until lightly browned. Set aside.

Create a sauce with soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar. Add minced garlic, ginger, and chili flakes for heat.

Cook the sauce briefly, then return the eggplant to the pan. Stir until the eggplant absorbs the flavors.

Finish with a sprinkle of green onions and sesame oil. Serve hot with rice for a tasty meal.

14. Eggplant Pizza

Eggplant pizza offers a tasty low-carb alternative to traditional pizza. Slice eggplant into ¾-inch thick rounds and brush with olive oil.

Sprinkle salt and oregano on top, then bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until tender.

Add marinara sauce and fresh mozzarella to each slice.

Broil for a few minutes to melt the cheese. Top with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

You can customize your eggplant pizzas with your favorite toppings.

This quick and easy recipe gives you a delicious way to enjoy pizza flavors while incorporating more vegetables into your diet.

15. Eggplant Parmesan Sliders

Eggplant Parmesan Sliders offer a fun twist on the classic Italian dish. These mini sandwiches pack all the flavors you love into bite-sized portions.

To make them, start by slicing eggplant into thin rounds. Coat the slices in breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese.

Pan-fry the breaded eggplant until golden brown on both sides.

Place the crispy eggplant on small slider buns. Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.

You can add a dollop of ricotta mixed with lemon zest for extra flavor.

These sliders are perfect for parties or as a tasty snack. They’re easy to eat and full of delicious eggplant Parmesan taste in every bite.

16. Eggplant and Tomato Soup

Eggplant and tomato soup is a tasty and comforting dish that’s easy to make. You’ll love how the eggplant adds a smoky richness to the classic tomato flavor.

To make this soup, start by roasting eggplant, tomatoes, and garlic in the oven. This brings out their natural sweetness and deepens the flavors.

Next, sauté onions and fennel in a pot until they’re soft and fragrant. Add the roasted vegetables and simmer everything together with broth.

Blend the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. You can leave some chunks if you prefer a heartier texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve your eggplant and tomato soup hot, topped with a drizzle of olive oil and some fresh herbs if you like.

Nutritional Benefits of Eggplant

Eggplants pack a nutritional punch despite their low calorie count. A cup of cooked eggplant contains only about 35 calories, making it a great choice for weight-conscious eaters.

These purple veggies are rich in fiber, which aids digestion and helps you feel full. They also provide small amounts of important vitamins and minerals.

Here’s a quick look at some key nutrients in a cup of cooked eggplant:

Fiber: 2.5 grams
Potassium: 188 mg
Vitamin C: 1.3 mg
Vitamin B6: 0.1 mg
Folate: 14 mcg

Eggplants contain antioxidants that may help protect your cells from damage. One notable antioxidant is nasunin, found in the skin of eggplants.

You’ll also find manganese in eggplants, which supports bone health and metabolism. The potassium in eggplants can help regulate blood pressure and support heart health.

Adding eggplant to your diet can boost your intake of various nutrients without adding many calories. This makes it a smart choice for maintaining a balanced diet.

Remember to prepare eggplants in healthy ways to maximize their benefits. Grilling, roasting, or baking are great options that don’t require much added fat.

Cooking Techniques for Eggplant

Eggplant can be cooked in many ways to bring out its unique flavor and texture. Two popular methods are roasting and grilling. These techniques create delicious results while keeping the eggplant healthy.

Roasting Eggplant

Roasting eggplant gives it a rich, caramelized flavor. To roast eggplant, set your oven to 475°F.

Cut the eggplant into slices or cubes. Brush the pieces with olive oil. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer.

Roast for 18-20 minutes. The eggplant is done when it’s tender and golden brown.

Roasted eggplant works well in dips, soups, and pasta dishes. Try adding roasted eggplant to a creamy soup or blending it into a dip with garlic and lemon.

Grilling Eggplant

Grilling adds a smoky taste to eggplant.

Cut the eggplant into thick slices or large cubes.

Brush each piece with oil to prevent sticking.

Heat your grill to medium-high.

Place the eggplant on the grill.

Cook for 4-5 minutes per side.

The eggplant is ready when it’s soft and has nice grill marks.

Grilled eggplant is great in sandwiches or salads.

You can also use it as a meat substitute in burgers or wraps.

Pairing Eggplant with Other Ingredients

Eggplant’s mild flavor makes it a versatile ingredient that pairs well with many foods.

The right combinations can elevate eggplant dishes from good to great.

Let’s explore some tasty pairings to try in your kitchen.

Complementary Herbs and Spices

Herbs and spices bring out eggplant’s best qualities.

Basil adds a fresh, sweet note that works well in Italian-inspired dishes.

Try sprinkling fresh basil over grilled eggplant slices.

Oregano gives eggplant a Mediterranean flair.

Add dried oregano to roasted eggplant cubes for a Greek-style side dish.

Garlic is a classic partner for eggplant.

Sauté minced garlic with eggplant chunks for a simple but flavorful preparation.

Cumin lends a warm, earthy flavor that complements eggplant’s texture.

Use ground cumin in Middle Eastern eggplant dips or stews.

Eggplant and Cheese Combinations

Cheese and eggplant are a match made in culinary heaven. Mozzarella is a popular choice, melting beautifully over eggplant slices in dishes like eggplant parmesan.

Feta cheese adds a salty tang to eggplant. Crumble feta over roasted eggplant for a quick and tasty appetizer.

Ricotta cheese creates a creamy contrast to eggplant’s texture. Stuff grilled eggplant rolls with a mixture of ricotta and herbs.

Parmesan cheese gives eggplant a savory boost. Sprinkle grated parmesan over breaded and fried eggplant rounds for a crispy, cheesy treat.