Eggplants, often referred to as the ‘crème de la crème’ of vegetables, are a culinary delight. With their rich flavor and versatility, it’s no wonder that eggplant recipes have gained popularity worldwide. From simple fried eggplant dishes to more complex Mediterranean-inspired creations, there’s an eggplant recipe to suit every taste and dietary requirement. Not only do eggplants offer endless possibilities for creative cooking, but they’re also a nutritious choice, low in calories and high in essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Their antioxidant properties can even help reduce the risk of chronic illnesses. Whether you’re a vegetarian or vegan, or simply looking to add some variety to your diet, eggplant dishes are an excellent option. In addition to being a healthy choice, eggplants can be prepared in a multitude of ways, including grilling, baking, and roasting, making them a staple ingredient for any home chef. With so many mouth-watering options available, it’s no surprise that people around the world have fallen in love with this delectable vegetable.
Easy Fried Eggplant
Fried eggplant is a staple in the South, often served alongside other crispy delights like fried green tomatoes, okra, and yellow squash. What sets this dish apart is the tender, creamy center of the cooked eggplant. The beauty of this recipe lies in its ability to achieve this texture using less oil than traditional methods. To get started, you’ll need an oil with a high smoke point, such as grapeseed, peanut, or avocado oil. For a simpler take on fried eggplant, try using just an egg wash. Alternatively, explore online for recipes that incorporate cornmeal or bread crumbs for added crunch.
Classic Baba Ganoush
Baba ganoush is a beloved healthy eggplant recipe that offers unparalleled flavor and diversity. While it shares some similarities with hummus, the main difference lies in its use of roasted eggplants instead of chickpeas. The creamy texture of baba ganoush is a direct result of blending the ingredients together using a food processor. To make this delicious dip, you’ll need roasted eggplants, tahini, roasted garlic, fresh lemon juice, cumin, a pinch of cayenne pepper, sea salt, and extra virgin olive oil. For added depth of flavor, consider garnishing your baba ganoush with smoked paprika. Serve it up with pita chips, bread slices, crackers, raw veggies, or potato chips for a satisfying snack or appetizer.
Baked Eggplant Parmesan
If dinner is about to go awry, fear not! This baked eggplant parmesan recipe offers a healthy and easy alternative to the classic Italian dish. We’re big fans of how rich and creamy it turns out – feel free to customize the cheesiness level to your liking.
To make this eggplant parmesan a reality, you’ll need both parmesan and mozzarella cheese on hand. And don’t worry about the marinara sauce – you can either opt for store-bought or whip up your own homemade version. The finishing touch? A sprinkle of fresh basil to add some brightness to each bite.
Source: recipetineats.com
Oven Roasted Eggplant
Eggplant’s versatility in roasting makes it one of our top vegan recipes. When roasted, the vegetable transforms from its bland raw state into a plump and juicy interior surrounded by beautifully caramelized exterior. This remarkable transformation is achieved through a simple process that requires only three ingredients: eggplant, olive oil, and salt and pepper. The key to perfect roasting lies in cutting the eggplant into larger pieces and cooking them at high temperatures, allowing for an even caramalization of its natural sugars.
Roasted Eggplant Salad
As the aroma of roasted eggplant wafts through the kitchen, it’s hard not to crave its star-studded cousin – a delectable roasted eggplant salad. This clever hack ensures that you have an ample supply of cubed eggplant for both the main event and a future meal. The lentils in this recipe are cooked to perfection in a rich vegetable broth or chicken broth, allowing them to soak up an impressive amount of flavor. Meanwhile, the eggplant is transformed into a sweet and tender delight on the outside, with a juicy interior that’s simply irresistible. When it’s all tossed together with a zesty lemon garlic dressing, you’ve got a salad that not only tastes amazing but also happens to be incredibly convenient – its shelf life makes it an ideal candidate for tomorrow’s lunch or even the next day’s dinner.
Eggplant Marinara
The harmonious union of eggplant and marinara sauce is undeniable. Our passion for a delicious eggplant and marinara recipe has led us to develop a scrumptious cheesy baked eggplant slices dish, perfectly complemented by savory marinara sauce. While making your own homemade marinara sauce can be rewarding, there are also excellent store-bought options available. This recipe utilizes Muenster cheese, although mozzarella serves as an acceptable substitute. To elevate the dish to new heights, sprinkle with parmesan cheese for a rich and indulgent experience. Finally, garnish with fresh basil leaves to add a pop of color and freshness.
Classic Ratatouille
While ‘Ratatouille’ is a beloved movie, its namesake dish remains relatively unknown to many. Ratatouille is a hearty French stew that showcases the flavors and textures of late summer’s bounty – zucchini, tomatoes, and eggplant take center stage. A medley of colorful vegetables, including yellow squash, onions, and sweet bell peppers, join forces in this recipe. Slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce, these tender delights are infused with depth and complexity. While dry white wine adds a certain je ne sais quoi, feel free to substitute vegetable broth, chicken broth, or water for an equally satisfying result.
Eggplant Pizzas
The allure of a warm, cheesy pizza is undeniable, especially when you’re adhering to a low-carb, paleo, or keto diet. Fortunately, there are numerous excellent crust alternatives that can satisfy your cravings. One such option is eggplant, which makes for an exceptional pizza crust. This recipe stands out due to its simplicity, requiring only six ingredients and 30 minutes of preparation time. The beauty of using eggplant lies in its neutral flavor profile, allowing the other flavorful components like mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and more to take center stage. A perfect solution for those seeking a low-carb pizza fix.
Eggplant Involtini Made With Spanish Mojo Sauce
For a unique and mouthwatering twist on traditional eggplant dishes, try your hand at making these addictive eggplant involtini. The combination of tender eggplant, rich Spanish mojo sauce, and zesty orange garlic-flavored sauce is sure to impress. To create the sauces, you’ll need blanched almonds, pungent garlic, roasted Piquillo peppers, earthy cumin, tangy sherry vinegar (or balsamic vinegar), and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Meanwhile, the involtini themselves are crafted with sliced eggplant, melted coconut oil, crumbled feta cheese, flaky sea salt, peppery black pepper, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for added depth. Serve these bite-sized delights alongside crusty bread and a crisp green salad for a satisfying and filling meal.
Eggplant Tomato & Pesto Sandwich
We’re thrilled whenever we discover another creative way to use pesto. One such opportunity arises when combining leftover grilled eggplant with roasted peppers, tomato, avocado, and fresh mozzarella cheese for a scrumptious sandwich. To take it to the next level, this recipe utilizes homemade pesto made from a medley of fresh ingredients including basil, arugula, garlic (or garlic powder), walnuts (or pine nuts), lemon juice, olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. For those in a rush, store-bought pesto is always an option. Vegans can also enjoy this sandwich by simply omitting the cheese. To serve, pile the veggies high on a ciabatta roll, ensuring a delightful culinary experience.
Eggplant Caponata
Eggplant caponata, a beloved Sicilian appetizer, shines with its star ingredient – the humble eggplant. But that’s not all; this classic dish also features a medley of sautéed bell peppers, fire-roasted tomatoes, celery, sweet raisins, salty capers, and briny green olives. The perfect harmony of flavors comes from a combination of honey’s warmth and red wine vinegar’s tanginess. If you’re a fan of bold flavors, this recipe is sure to delight. A trifecta of red pepper flakes, bay leaf, and garlic adds depth, while chopped fresh mint provides a bright, herbaceous note. What sets this recipe apart? The use of roasted eggplant instead of the more common fried version, giving it a unique twist on the traditional caponata.
Roasted Eggplant Pasta
For a sophisticated take on pasta, look no further than this roasted eggplant dinner that combines the two in perfect harmony. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, requiring only six everyday ingredients you likely already have stocked in your pantry. Feel free to substitute rotini with any other robust noodle or get creative with veggie noodles like zucchini ‘zoodles’ – we’re big fans! While making your own tomato sauce from scratch is always an option, a store-bought version can be just as effective, such as Classico Riserva Marinara, which boasts a rich flavor profile and fewer added sugars compared to other brands. This recipe’s source material can be found at loveandlemons.com.
Grilled Eggplant
Eggplant is a versatile vegetable that lends itself perfectly to grilling, making it an excellent addition to many dishes. Its size allows for the creation of attractive grilled eggplant slices, which are ideal for serving as a side dish or using as a base for a more substantial meal. When grilled, the eggplant develops a rich, smoky flavor and a lightly charred texture that pairs well with a variety of meats, such as beef, steak, and chicken. This recipe can be easily elevated by adding a couscous salad topping featuring almonds, apricots, Medjool dates, making it a satisfying main course option.
Grilled Eggplant Parmesan
While we’ve previously shared our take on baked eggplant parmesan, we’re excited to introduce a lighter, low-carb alternative that still packs plenty of flavor. Grilled eggplant parmesan is a modern twist on the classic dish, and its simplicity makes it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant appetizer. By skipping the traditional breading and relying on the natural sweetness of the eggplant, we’ve created a recipe that’s both healthier and more exciting than the original. The addition of fresh tomatoes takes this dish to the next level, adding a burst of juicy flavor with each bite. And let’s not forget the star of the show: the melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese that bring everything together. With its effortless elegance and undeniable appeal, grilled eggplant parmesan is sure to become a new favorite in your household.
Mediterranean Grilled Eggplant Salad
If you’ve got leftover grilled eggplant on your hands, consider yourself lucky! This Mediterranean grilled eggplant salad is a cinch to whip up and will quickly become a staple at your next cookout or BBQ. As a main course, it’s surprisingly filling, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of chicken or beef dishes as a side. The crushed red pepper adds a welcome depth of flavor, while the fresh mint provides a refreshing contrast. But don’t even think about skipping the za’atar – it’s what truly elevates this dish to new heights. A clever way to repurpose leftover grilled eggplant, if we do say so ourselves!
Best-Ever Eggplant Meatballs
While many people assume that meatballs are off-limits to vegans and vegetarians, there’s actually a delicious way to enjoy them without the meat. One popular option is using eggplant as a substitute, resulting in a tasty and satisfying alternative. Not only can these eggplant meatballs be served as a main course with spaghetti, but they also make for a great appetizer. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to prepare thanks to the help of a food processor. To give your eggplant meatballs some added flavor, you’ll need a few key ingredients, including chopped basil leaves, garlic cloves, and parsley. For an extra burst of cheesy goodness, be sure to add some Parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, and Pecorino Romano cheese to the mix.
What Are Japanese Eggplant (Asian Eggplant)?
Eggplants come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with Mediterranean and Italian varieties typically being globe-shaped. In contrast, Japanese or Asian eggplants are longer and thinner. Despite their unique shape, both types can be used interchangeably in recipes. While Japanese eggplants might be harder to find at mainstream grocery stores, enthusiasts can usually track them down at specialty shops or bustling farmer’s markets.
How to Cut Eggplant
Cutting eggplant into manageable pieces is crucial for many recipes. There are two primary methods to achieve this: dicing and cutting rings. To dice eggplant, start by removing the bottom and top using a large chef’s knife. Next, stand the eggplant upright and slice it lengthwise into thin strips. Once you have these strips, lay them flat and cut them into uniform sizes. Finally, turn the strips sideways and cut crosswise to achieve your desired size. For ring cuts, place the eggplant on its side and remove the bottom and top using a large chef’s knife. Slice the eggplant into thick or thin strips, depending on the width required by your recipe.
Is Salting and Draining Eggplant Really Required?
Historically, eggplant was known for its pronounced bitterness, which necessitated a pre-cooking step of soaking the vegetable in salted water for up to an hour. This process helped mitigate the bitterness’s impact on the palate. Fortunately, modern eggplants have evolved to be significantly less bitter, rendering this step largely unnecessary. According to Epicurious, contemporary cooks can simply dispense with the salting process and proceed directly to cooking their eggplant. For more exciting and delectable eggplant recipes, check out this video showcasing a variety of Italian-inspired dishes.
Final Words
Indulge in the delight of these scrumptious recipes, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Gather your family and friends, and let’s get cooking! As you savor each bite, we’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback.