10+ Best Eggplant Recipes for Delicious and Easy Meals

Eggplant is a versatile vegetable that can be used in many delicious dishes. From savory casseroles to quick sides, there are countless ways to prepare this flavorful ingredient. In this article, you’ll discover some of the best eggplant recipes that will impress your family and friends.

With its unique texture and ability to absorb flavors, eggplant is a great addition to many meals. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, these recipes will inspire you to try new dishes in your kitchen.

Get ready to explore the amazing world of eggplant!

1) Classic Eggplant Parmesan

Classic Eggplant Parmesan is a delicious dish you’ll love making at home. It features layers of breaded eggplant, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese.

To start, you will need to slice your eggplant and coat it with flour and breadcrumbs. Bake until golden brown for a crispy texture.

Then, layer the crispy eggplant with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. You can also sprinkle some Parmesan on top for added flavor. Bake it all together until bubbly and golden.

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant
• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the eggplant and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit to remove excess moisture.
3. Coat the eggplant slices in flour, then breadcrumbs.
4. Bake the eggplant for 25 minutes until golden.
5. In a baking dish, layer marinara, eggplant, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
6. Repeat layers and finish with cheese on top.
7. Bake for another 25-30 minutes until bubbly. Enjoy!

2) Spicy Eggplant Stir-Fry

Spicy Eggplant Stir-Fry is a quick and tasty dish perfect for any meal. You can enjoy it as a side or make it the main event. The eggplant cooks up tender and absorbs all the spicy flavors.

To make this dish, start by frying the eggplant until golden. Then, toss it in a mouthwatering sauce made from ingredients like garlic, soy sauce, and chili paste. This gives it a nice kick!

You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 medium eggplant, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili paste
• Cooked rice or noodles

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
2. Add the eggplant and cook until soft, around 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add soy sauce and chili paste. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Serve hot over rice or noodles. Enjoy!

3) Grilled Eggplant with Balsamic Glaze

Grilled eggplant with balsamic glaze is a tasty and simple dish you can make in no time. The eggplant becomes soft and flavorful after grilling. The balsamic glaze adds a sweet and tangy kick that pairs perfectly with the veggie.

To prepare this dish, start by slicing the eggplant into thick rounds. Sprinkle some salt on the eggplant to draw out moisture. After letting it sit for a bit, rinse and pat it dry.

Next, mix garlic powder, black pepper, and sea salt. Brush the eggplant with olive oil and sprinkle with your seasoning mix. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before grilling until the eggplant is tender and has nice grill marks.

Ingredients

• 1 medium eggplant
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• Balsamic glaze for drizzling

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the eggplant into thick rounds.
2. Sprinkle salt on both sides and let sit for 15 minutes.
3. Rinse and pat dry the eggplant.
4. Preheat the grill to medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
5. Mix garlic powder, black pepper, and sea salt in a bowl.
6. Brush olive oil on both sides of the eggplant.
7. Sprinkle the seasoning mix on the eggplant.
8. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the top.
9. Grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side until tender.

4) Creamy Eggplant Curry

Creamy eggplant curry is a delightful dish that combines tender eggplant with rich flavors. You will enjoy how the coconut milk creates a smooth and tasty sauce.

Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger in a pan. Then, add diced tomatoes and your choice of spices. Stir them together to create a fragrant foundation.

Next, add the cubed eggplant and pour in coconut milk for creaminess. Let it simmer until the eggplant is soft. Serve this curry with rice or naan for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant, cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add diced tomatoes and curry powder; stir well.
3. Mix in the cubed eggplant and coconut milk.
4. Simmer for 20-25 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until eggplant is tender.
5. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

5) Stuffed Eggplant with Quinoa

Stuffed eggplant with quinoa is a tasty and healthy dish. It combines the rich flavor of eggplant with nutrient-packed quinoa and fresh vegetables. This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

Begin by slicing the eggplant in half. Scoop out some of the flesh to create space for the filling. Cook quinoa according to package instructions, and mix it with sautéed veggies like onion, garlic, and zucchini.

Fill the eggplant halves with the quinoa mixture. Bake them at 400°F (200°C) until the eggplant is tender. This dish is not only delicious but also looks great on your dinner table.

Ingredients

• 1 medium eggplant
• ¼ cup dry quinoa
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup chopped zucchini
• ½ cup chopped bell pepper
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the eggplant in half and scoop out the flesh.
3. Cook quinoa according to the package instructions.
4. Sauté onion, garlic, zucchini, and bell pepper in olive oil.
5. Combine the sautéed veggies with cooked quinoa. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Fill the eggplant halves with the quinoa mixture.
7. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, until tender.

6) Eggplant and Chickpea Stew

Eggplant and chickpea stew is a delicious and hearty dish. It combines the rich flavors of eggplant with the protein of chickpeas, making it satisfying and nutritious. This stew is perfect for a cozy dinner.

You can easily prepare this dish with simple ingredients. The combination of spices adds warmth and depth. It’s great served over rice or with crusty bread.

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant, chopped
• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
3. Stir in eggplant, cumin, and paprika. Cook for about 5 minutes.
4. Add chickpeas and diced tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Simmer on low for 20 minutes.
6. Serve warm, and enjoy!

7) Baba Ganoush Dip

Baba Ganoush is a delicious dip made from eggplant. It has a creamy texture and a smoky flavor. This dish is perfect for dipping pita bread or fresh veggies.

To make Baba Ganoush, you need to roast the eggplant first. This adds a nice char that enhances the flavor. You’ll mix it with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil for a rich taste.

It’s simple and quick to prepare. You can enjoy it as an appetizer or a snack. Once it’s ready, serve it chilled or at room temperature for the best experience.

Ingredients

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

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Poke holes in the eggplant and roast for about 30-40 minutes.
3. Let it cool, then scoop out the flesh.
4. In a bowl, combine the eggplant, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil.
5. Blend until smooth and season with salt to taste.

8) Roasted Eggplant and Tomato Salad

This roasted eggplant and tomato salad is a wonderful way to enjoy these fresh ingredients. The process brings out their natural sweetness and flavor, making it perfect as a side dish or light meal.

To start, you will need firm eggplants and ripe tomatoes. Roasting them enhances their flavor and gives them a lovely texture. You can also add some herbs for extra taste.

Serve this salad warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own.

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants
• 3 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the eggplants into cubes and halve the tomatoes.
3. Toss the vegetables in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread them out on a baking sheet.
5. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with basil if desired.

9) Eggplant Rollatini

Eggplant Rollatini is a delicious Italian dish. It features thin slices of eggplant filled with a creamy ricotta mixture. It’s a great way to enjoy eggplant in a flavorful way.

You start by roasting or frying the eggplant slices. Then, you fill them with a mix of ricotta, parmesan, and fresh herbs. After that, roll them up and place them in a baking dish.

Next, cover the rolls with marinara sauce and sprinkle mozzarella on top. Bake until bubbly and golden for a comforting meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• Fresh basil, chopped
• Olive oil, for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the eggplants lengthwise and roast or fry until soft.
3. Mix ricotta, parmesan, and basil in a bowl.
4. Spread the mixture on each eggplant slice and roll up.
5. Place rolls in a baking dish and cover with marinara sauce.
6. Top with mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.

10) Moussaka with Lamb

Moussaka with lamb is a classic dish. It combines layers of roasted eggplant and a savory lamb filling. This dish is comforting and perfect for a family dinner.

You start by roasting eggplant until it’s tender. Then, make a flavorful lamb mixture with spices and tomatoes. After that, layer the eggplant in a baking dish, add the lamb, and top with a creamy béchamel sauce.

Bake your moussaka at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes until it is golden and bubbly. Let it rest for a bit before serving for the best flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants
• 1 lb (450g) ground lamb
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup béchamel sauce
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice eggplants and roast until tender.
3. In a pan, sauté onions and garlic, then add ground lamb.
4. Stir in tomato sauce and spices, and cook until blended.
5. In a baking dish, layer eggplant, lamb mix, and béchamel sauce.
6. Bake for 45 minutes until golden.
7. Enjoy!