For years, my litmus test for how good an Italian restaurant is, is their Eggplant Parmesan. It has not failed me yet. If a restaurant can produce a tasty and well done Eggplant parm dish, I have often found that their other dishes impress as well. Wouldn’t you agree?
But if you love Eggplant like I do, why should it be limited to just one dish that you have sporadically? Why not try and incorporate such a tasty and healthy vegetable into more dishes. That’s why I’ve put together this list of the ultimate 15 best eggplant recipes any eggplant lover must try!
Roasted Eggplant -Spend with Pennies
Roasted eggplants make for a delicious treat. With its smoky flavor and luscious creaminess, this is incredibly simple to prepare. Whether you follow a plant-based diet or you like to pair meat with your vegetables, roasted eggplants are undeniably a good side dish to any meal. It’s light, tasty, and will open up your appetite. You can also use the eggplants that you’ve roasted as an ingredient to salads or as a delicious addition to your panini.
Roasted Eggplant with Tomatoes and Feta -52 Kitchen Adventures
If you love eggplant parmesan but looking for a lighter fare, then the roasted eggplants with tomato and feta cheese is your best bet. The smoky aroma of the eggplant, the richness of the tomato sauce, and the tangy saltiness of feta cheese take center stage in this appetizing eggplant recipe dish.
Eggplant Sandwiches -Sunny Little Kitchen
I particularly love this eggplant sandwich recipe mainly because it’s a vegan option to a healthy dish. By using fresh quality bread as the base, you can create a panini that rivals the savory flavor of a meat-based sandwich. The roasted eggplant is a great alternative to meat and dairy cheese. Meanwhile the leaves, cucumber, and tomatoes provide texture to the sandwich. Slather the vegan mayo to add a layer of silkiness, and you’ve got a refreshing mid-day meal.
Eggplant Parm Soup -Joyful Scribblings
Flavorful and warm, this eggplant parm soup is the perfect companion for brunch or on cold winter nights. It has a similar flavor palette as eggplant parmesan but with a lighter touch. I especially love to pair this eggplant recipe soup with a warm bread for dinner as a meal. You can also enjoy this with a light salad, making it a delicious opening to a hearty lunch.
Middle Eastern Twice Baked Eggplants – Strength and Sunshine
When I’m craving for a Middle Eastern fare, this is definitely one of my go-to recipes. The burst of flavors are just satisfyingly endless starting from the eggplants up to the stuffing. This specific recipe uses pomegranate, olives, lemon, herbs, and the eggplant’s flesh as stuffing. These are then whipped into the food processor. With its intense flavor and fancy aesthetics, this recipe is surprisingly easy to create and visually stunning to look at.
Caponata -Nonna Box
Out of all the different variations of the Sicilian Caponata eggplant recipes, this specific one is probably my favorite. It has a rich flavor and all-vegetable ingredients which I love. Combined with potatoes and bell peppers, you can put this on top of a toasted ciabatta. Pair off with a Sicilian red wine and you have a satisfying and healthy appetizer.
Eggplant Street Tacos – This Florida Mom
Although I wouldn’t have naturally chosen eggplant, it does lend a unique flavor combo with the seasoning. This recipe is also ideal if you’re craving for taco but looking for a meatless alternative. You can also add other veggie options such as lettuce, onion, and tomatoes. Sprinkle cheese, sour cream, and balsamic glaze for that sweet kick. This is a good option on days when you want a unique dinner or a savory snack.
Grilled Eggplant Rollatini -Foodal
Eating this eggplant recipe transports me to memories of quaint Italian towns. The burst of marinara, ricotta, herb, Parmesan, and lemon flavors in every roll is undeniably satisfying. The charred eggplant lends an earthy taste. Meanwhile, the creaminess of ricotta and the Parmesan provide texture to the dish. Lastly, the velvety lightness of the marinara and the elegant fragrance of the herbs all contribute to how savory this appetizer is.
Goat Cheese and Bacon Eggplant Rolls -Play Party Plan
One of the eggplant recipes for rolls that have caught my attention would be this one. The light smoky palate of the grilled eggplant works perfectly well with bacon and goat cheese. The combination of the crumbliness of the goat cheese and the crunchiness of the pine nuts creates interesting textures. Truly a party-in-your mouth dish that you can savor as your main entree or an appetizer to grilled chicken.
Baba Ganoush – It’s Not Complicated
A simple and elegant version of the Baba Ganoush, this specific eggplant recipe is perfect for those with dietary requirements. It’s gluten-free, nut-free, and 100% vegan. To create this amazingly good dip, you’ll need to make sure that your eggplant flesh is almost off-the-skin soft. This will give your Baba Ganoush an ideal base for that smooth and creamy texture. Add tahini and lemon, and you’ve got a versatile thick sauce that works as a dip or a spread to your appetizers and main dishes.
Georgian Eggplant Rolls with Walnut -Happy Kitchen
Creamy and crunchy with a hint of herby flavor, this is one of the eggplant recipes that’s satisfyingly good and quick to make. All you need is eggplant, walnut, and khmeli suneli, a Georgian plum sauce seasoning, and a few choice herbs. With these, you can easily re-create this savory and healthy appetizer.
Eggplant Parm by Family Focus Blog
A crowd favorite, the eggplant parmesan is definitely a staple in any list of eggplant recipes. This Tuscan-inspired recipe has all the makings of a satisfyingly great meal. The al dente pasta lends a chewy texture to the dish while the fried eggplant gives off a smoky palate. Bring in the tomato sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan, and you’ve got a filling dinner that’s oozing with flavor and character.
Eggplant Lasagna by Wholesome Yum
Simple and easy to make. Best of all, this particular eggplant lasagna uses low carb and keto friendly ingredients so you can indulge to your heart’s content. Since you won’t be using pasta in this one, the roasted eggplant will be the alternative to the noodle layer of the regular lasagna. Layered with marinara sauce, Italian herbs and spices, and three types of cheeses, you have a tasty dish that only has 6 grams of net carbs per serving.
Tomato Eggplant Soup by Two Sleevers
Tomato soup is a great soul food and this variation with eggplant added into the mix hits the spot. For this recipe, the tomato is not pureed. Instead, it is chopped and mixed alongside eggplant, onions, and bell pepper, and cooked in a pot under 30 minutes. Warm, flavorful, and appetizing, you can serve this as an elegantly simple dinner or as a starter before a heavier a meal.
Chicken Tacos with Eggplant Shells Sumptuous Spoonfuls
Eggplant as taco shell? Sounds tasty and it definitely is. The best part is that you can skip the carbohydrate-laden traditional taco shell, so you can indulge a bit more. The roasted eggplant lends a meaty flavor as the base to your shredded chicken, cilantro, avocado, and salsa. If you are looking for a vegan option, you can skip the chicken meat, since the rest of the ingredients are already flavorful and full of texture on their own.
If you are looking to extend your repertoire of eggplant recipes, then make sure to try these incredible recipes. The great thing about eggplants is that they are versatile as an ingredient. They are also great alternatives to meat especially when grilled or roasted. What a fun and healthy way to enjoy your favorite dishes!
