20 Delicious Eggplant Recipes
They’re colourful, elegant and come in many shapes and sizes, but in terms of taste, eggplants are all very similar. But you will find that the textures do vary, so there are a few things worth knowing when choosing an eggplant at the grocery store: Jewel-toned Japanese eggplants are creamy and silky when cooked, while large, deep-purple Italian eggplants are meaty and perfect for vegetarian steaks. It's just up to you which ones you decide to use.
Roasted eggplant with sumac-tahini sauce
An incredibly colourful side that brings an array of amazing flavours to every bite, from sweet pomegranate to earthy tahini and fresh mint. Get our roasted eggplant recipe.
Grilled Baba Ghanouj
Made across the Mediterranean and farther, with variations in cuisines from Lebanon to Armenia and Iran, this dip of roasted eggplant, tahini, garlic, lemon, herbs and spices, it's the perfect accompaniment to a crudité plate, or simply served with fresh pita. Get this Grilled Baba Ghanouj recipe.
Ajvar
Red bell peppers and eggplant combine into a delicious spread. Found in southeastern European cuisine, Avjar (and its many variations) can be sweet, spicy or hot, and is often served with grilled meats and vegetables, as a side dish, or used as a spread for bread. Get this Homemade Ajvar recipe.
Whole wheat Mediterranean pizza with ajvar
Ajvar also makes a delicious pizza sauce — we use it here with a whole wheat base, zucchini ribbons, tomatoes and fresh basil. Get our whole wheat pizza recipe.
Barbecued Greek antipasto kebabs
Stack up some Mediterranean-inspired kebabs that feature fresh eggplant, artichoke hearts, mushrooms, peppers and halloumi cheese. Get the recipe.
Charred eggplant and shiitake mushroom bruschetta
Charred eggplant’s smoky flavour gives bruschetta a fresh spin, and pairs nciely with grilled mushrooms, miso and chopped cilantro. Get the recipe.
Peruvian vegetable eggplant spread
Made from a blend of roasted eggplant, red onion, bell pepper and smokey spices, this dip is sure to be a crowd pleaser at a dinner party. Get this Peruvian vegetable eggplant spread recipe.
Grilled lamb chops with ratatouille
A colourful dinner for four that's perfect for backyard dining. Get the recipe.
Ricotta and lemon eggplant involtini
These herbed, ricotta-filled eggplant rolls are hands-down one of our favourite ways to serve up a vegetarian meal. Top with homemade tomato sauce, and enjoy. Get the recipe.
Nigella’s baby eggplant with oregano and red onion
Keep it rustic by baking up these aubergine lovelies with the stalks on. Serve at room temperature with red onion dressing on top.
Get the recipe.
Eggplant steaks with cauliflower pilaf
Tonight, pair a meaty eggplant steak with a light and colourful pilaf, topped with juicy pomegarante seeds.
Pro secret: To get the delicious seeds out of a pomegranate, slice it in half. Hold 1 half, cut side down, over a large bowl. Vigorously whack the skin side with a large wooden spoon until all the seeds pop out.
Get the recipe.
Barbecued eggplant parmesan
Grilling the ingredients for this vegetarian entree — which also works as a side dish — gives it a whole new layer of flavour. Get the recipe.
Spicy eggplant sauté
An easy way to cook eggplant that'll give your meal perfect amount of umami. Get this spicy eggplant sauté recipe.
Grilled eggplant tacos
Mix and match your filling with different toppings (we like guacamole, red cabbage slaw and hot sauce), and you’re on your way to a taco feast. Get the recipe.
Vegetarian BBQ Miso eggplant
Go vegetarian on the grill tonight with this protein-packed Japanese eggplant recipe. Serve with a crunchy apple salad and a tart white wine. Delicious. Get the recipe.
Grilled eggplant salad
Garlic and capers add a punch of aroma and flavour to this colourful summer salad. Get the recipe.
Rigatoni pasta with eggplant and ricotta
Tonight, take your taste buds on quick trip to Italy with a rich Italian pasta, packed with tomatoes, basil and sauteéd eggplant. Get the recipe.
Jamie Oliver’s eggplant daal
This vegetarian dish takes a little extra time in the kitchen — but is it ever worth the wait. Once it’s all plated, just roll them up, and tuck in! Get the recipe.
Panzanella salad
Fire up the grill and take on the whole meal. Grilled vegetables, bread and fresh herbs make up this simple summer salad — and it pairs well with whatever else you plan to throw on the ‘cue tonight. Get the recipe.
Pistachio and pomegranate couscous
Full of friendly fats, this vegetarian couscous packs as much protein as an egg. Get the recipe.
Watch: How to slice an eggplant
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