10+ Eggplant Recipes to Savor This Season

Eggplant is a versatile vegetable that can add unique flavors and textures to various dishes. Whether you are a longtime fan of eggplant or just exploring new cooking options, you’ll find that there are countless delicious eggplant recipes to enjoy.

From savory casseroles to fresh salads, this ingredient can be transformed in many ways.

In this article, you’ll discover a variety of eggplant recipes that are simple to prepare and full of taste. These recipes will excite your palate and may even become new family favorites. So, get ready to learn how to make the most of this wonderful vegetable!

1) Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan is a delicious Italian dish that layers crispy eggplant with marinara and cheese. It’s a great way to enjoy eggplant if you’re looking for something flavorful.

To make this dish, you will slice the eggplant, coat it in breadcrumbs, and bake it until golden brown. Then, you’ll layer it with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese before baking again for a bubbly finish.

Eggplant Parmesan is perfect for dinner parties or family meals. Serve it with a side salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants
• 1 cup flour
• 2 cups breadcrumbs
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh basil (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice eggplants and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for 30 minutes to drain.
3. Rinse and pat dry.
4. Coat slices in flour, then breadcrumbs.
5. Bake breaded eggplant for 25 minutes, turning halfway.
6. In a baking dish, layer marinara sauce, eggplant, and cheese.
7. Repeat layers and top with Parmesan.
8. Bake for an additional 25 minutes or until bubbly.

2) Baba Ganoush

Baba ganoush is a delicious Middle Eastern dip made from eggplant. This creamy and smoky dish is perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying with pita bread.

To make it, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Start with eggplant, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pierce the eggplant with a fork and roast it for about 30-40 minutes until tender.
3. Once cool, scoop the flesh into a bowl.
4. Add tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt.
5. Blend until smooth. Enjoy with pita or veggies!

3) Eggplant Rollatini

Eggplant rollatini is a delicious Italian dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It features thin slices of eggplant filled with a rich ricotta mixture, then rolled up and baked in a savory tomato sauce.

To make this dish, first slice your eggplant lengthwise. You can grill or bake the slices until they are tender.

After that, make your filling with ricotta, mozzarella cheese, and fresh herbs.

Next, lay the filling on the eggplant slices and roll them up. Place your rolls in a baking dish, cover with marinara sauce and more cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• Fresh basil and parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice eggplants lengthwise.
3. Grill or bake the slices until tender.
4. Mix ricotta, mozzarella, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
5. Spoon filling onto each eggplant slice and roll up.
6. Place rolled eggplants in a baking dish and cover with marinara sauce.
7. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake for 25 minutes until cheese is bubbly.

4) Szechuan Eggplant Stir Fry

Szechuan Eggplant Stir Fry is a flavorful dish that packs a punch. The eggplant becomes tender and absorbs a spicy sauce as it cooks. This dish is perfect for a quick dinner.

To make this dish, start by preparing your ingredients. Cut the eggplants into sticks and gather your sauce components.

You can make the sauce with soy sauce, vinegar, chili paste, and garlic for that classic Szechuan flavor.

Cooking is simple. Stir-fry the eggplant in a hot pan until it’s soft. Then add the sauce and cook for a few more minutes until everything is well combined. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 tablespoon chili paste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the eggplants into 3 cm sticks.
2. Mix soy sauce, vinegar, chili paste, and garlic in a bowl.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat (375°F or 190°C).
4. Add the eggplant and stir-fry until soft.
5. Pour the sauce mixture into the pan and stir well.
6. Cook for an additional 3–5 minutes, then serve.

5) Moussaka

Moussaka is a delicious Greek dish featuring layers of eggplant, spiced meat, and creamy béchamel sauce. You can enjoy its rich flavors at any time of the year.

To start, you will need to slice the eggplant and layer it with cooked ground beef or lamb in a tomato sauce. The béchamel sauce adds a creamy touch on top.

Bake the entire dish until it’s bubbly and golden brown. Serve it warm for a hearty meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants
• 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef or lamb
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the eggplants and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for 30 minutes.
3. Rinse and pat the eggplants dry.
4. Cook the ground meat with onions and garlic in a pan.
5. Add crushed tomatoes and cinnamon. Simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Make the béchamel sauce by melting butter, adding flour, and whisking in milk until thick.
7. Layer eggplant, meat sauce, and béchamel in a baking dish.
8. Bake for about 45 minutes until golden. Enjoy!

6) Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a classic French dish that showcases the rich flavors of fresh vegetables. You can make it easily using eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes. This dish is perfect for using up extra veggies in your kitchen.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic for a fragrant base. Then, add your diced vegetables and let them cook down. Season with herbs like thyme and basil for extra flavor.

Ratatouille can be served hot or cold. It pairs well with crusty bread or as a side dish with your favorite protein. Enjoy this healthy and vibrant meal that’s full of colors and tastes!

Ingredients

• 1 medium eggplant, diced
• 2 zucchinis, sliced
• 1 large bell pepper, diced
• 2 pounds ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh herbs (thyme, basil)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add onions and garlic; cook until soft.
3. Stir in eggplant, zucchini, and bell pepper; cook for 5-7 minutes.
4. Add tomatoes, salt, pepper, and herbs; mix well.
5. Simmer for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Serve warm or let cool and enjoy later.

7) Eggplant Caponata

Eggplant Caponata is a tasty dish from Sicily that combines flavors of sweet and sour. It is made with eggplant, tomatoes, olives, and capers. You can serve it as an appetizer or a side dish.

To make Caponata, you’ll start by roasting the eggplant until it’s tender. Then, mix in the other ingredients for a robust flavor.

This dish is wonderful on crostini or paired with crusty bread. You can make it ahead of time, letting the flavors meld together. It’s perfect for summer gatherings or cozy dinners at home.

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant, diced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup olives, pitted and sliced
• 2 tablespoons capers
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Toss the diced eggplant with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast the eggplant in the oven for about 25 minutes until tender.
4. In a large pan, heat more olive oil and sauté the onion and celery until soft.
5. Add the tomatoes, olives, capers, and roasted eggplant. Stir well.
6. Cook for another 5-10 minutes to blend flavors.
7. Serve warm or at room temperature.

8) Grilled Eggplant with Garlic

Grilled eggplant with garlic is a simple, tasty dish. It’s perfect as a side or a main dish. The garlic adds great flavor.

To start, slice the eggplant into thick rounds. This helps it hold its shape while grilling.

Next, coat the eggplant with olive oil and minced garlic. You can also add your choice of herbs for extra taste.

Preheat your grill to 400°F (200°C). Place the eggplant slices on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side. Look for a nice char and soft texture.

You can enjoy this dish warm or at room temperature.

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh herbs (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the eggplant into thick rounds.
2. Mix olive oil and minced garlic in a bowl.
3. Coat eggplant slices with the mixture.
4. Preheat your grill to 400°F (200°C).
5. Grill eggplant for 4-5 minutes on each side.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

9) Stuffed Eggplant Boats

Stuffed eggplant boats are a delicious way to enjoy this versatile vegetable. You can fill them with a variety of ingredients that suit your taste. Common fillings include ground meats, cheese, and vegetables, making them both tasty and nutritious.

To make these boats, start by cutting the eggplant in half and scooping out the insides.

Mix the insides with your chosen ingredients, season them well, and then stuff the eggplant halves.

Bake them until they’re tender and the filling is hot.

Enjoy your stuffed eggplant boats as a main dish or a side. They make for a wonderful meal at any time!

Ingredients

• 2 eggplants
• 1 cup cooked ground turkey or beef
• 1 cup chopped vegetables (like spinach or tomatoes)
• 1 cup cheese (mozzarella or parmesan)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the eggplants in half and scoop out the insides.
3. In a bowl, combine the eggplant insides, meat, vegetables, and cheese.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Stuff the mixture into the eggplant halves.
6. Drizzle with olive oil.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes until everything is cooked through.

10) Eggplant Lasagna

Eggplant lasagna is a delicious twist on the traditional recipe. By using layers of roasted eggplant instead of pasta, you create a hearty, low-carb dish. This meal is cheesy and comforting, perfect for family dinners.

You can layer roasted eggplant with ricotta, mozzarella, and marinara sauce. Add some herbs for extra flavor. It’s a great way to enjoy more vegetables while still having a satisfying meal.

This dish is simple to make and can even be prepared ahead of time.

Bake it in the oven until it’s bubbly and golden. You’ll love serving this tasty option to your friends and family.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants
• 15 oz (425 g) ricotta cheese
• 2 cups (200 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 cups (480 ml) marinara sauce
• Fresh herbs (basil, parsley)
• Olive oil, salt, and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the eggplants and lay them on a baking sheet.
3. Brush with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Roast for 25 minutes until tender.
5. In a baking dish, layer roasted eggplant, ricotta, marinara, and mozzarella.
6. Repeat layers until ingredients are used.
7. Finish with mozzarella on top.
8. Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly.
9. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
10. Enjoy your eggplant lasagna!