Eggplant is a versatile veggie that can shine in many different dishes. From salads to pastas to sandwiches, there are lots of tasty ways to enjoy eggplant.

These 17+ eggplant recipes will give you plenty of ideas for cooking with this purple powerhouse.

Whether you like your eggplant roasted, grilled, fried, or stuffed, you’ll find recipes here to suit your taste. You’ll discover classic favorites like eggplant parmesan alongside creative new ideas.

Get ready to see eggplant in a whole new light with these delicious recipes.

1. Classic Baba Ganoush

Baba ganoush is a tasty eggplant dip that’s perfect for parties. You’ll love its smoky flavor and creamy texture.

To make it, start by roasting eggplants until they’re soft and charred. This gives the dip its signature smoky taste.

Once cooled, scoop out the flesh and mix it with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. Blend until smooth.

Season with salt and add a sprinkle of paprika on top. Serve your baba ganoush with warm pita bread or fresh veggies for dipping.

This Mediterranean favorite is not only delicious but also healthy. It’s packed with nutrients and makes a great low-calorie snack option.

2. Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan is a tasty Italian dish you can enjoy for dinner. It’s made with sliced eggplant, sauce, and cheese.

To make it, cut eggplant into 1/2-inch slices. Sprinkle salt on both sides. This helps remove extra moisture.

Next, bake the eggplant slices in the oven at 350°F. Spray them lightly with cooking spray first. Cook until golden brown.

Layer the baked eggplant with tomato sauce and cheese in a baking dish. Bake again until hot and bubbly.

You can make this dish healthier by using less cheese. Try turkey instead of regular ground meat in the sauce for a leaner option.

3. Spicy Eggplant Stir-fry

Spicy eggplant stir-fry is a tasty dish you can make for dinner. It’s quick to cook and full of flavor.

You’ll need eggplant, oil, garlic, and spices.

To make it, cut the eggplant into small pieces. Heat oil in a pan and fry the eggplant for about a minute. This helps cook it fast.

Next, add garlic and spices to the pan. Stir everything together.

Common spices include chili oil or pepper flakes for heat. You can also add onions or bell peppers for extra flavor and crunch.

Cook until the eggplant is soft and slightly charred. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes. Serve hot as a side dish or main meal.

4. Eggplant Caponata

Eggplant caponata is a tasty Sicilian dish that’s perfect for eggplant lovers.

You start by salting eggplant cubes to remove any bitterness. This also improves their texture.

Next, you sauté onions and celery in olive oil. Add the eggplant, tomatoes, garlic, olives, and capers. Red wine vinegar gives it a tangy kick.

The mix cooks until the eggplant is soft and the flavors blend. Some recipes include extras like raisins or pine nuts for added texture.

Serve your caponata at room temperature as a side dish or appetizer. It’s great on toasted bread or as a pasta sauce too. The flavors get even better if you let it sit for a while before eating.

5. Moussaka with Eggplant

Moussaka is a popular Greek dish that features eggplant as a key ingredient. You’ll love this hearty casserole layered with tender eggplant slices, seasoned ground meat, and creamy béchamel sauce.

To make moussaka, start by grilling or roasting eggplant slices until soft. Next, prepare a meat sauce with ground lamb or beef, tomatoes, and spices. Layer the eggplant and meat sauce in a baking dish.

Top it all with a thick béchamel sauce made from butter, flour, and milk. Sprinkle grated cheese over the top for extra flavor. Bake until golden brown and bubbly.

Moussaka takes some time to prepare but rewards you with rich, comforting flavors. Serve it as a main dish with a simple salad on the side for a satisfying meal.

6. Roasted Eggplant with Tahini

Roasted eggplant with tahini is a tasty dish that’s easy to make. You start by roasting eggplant in the oven until it’s soft and golden brown.

While the eggplant cooks, you can whip up a simple tahini sauce. Mix tahini paste with lemon juice, garlic, and a bit of water.

Once the eggplant is done, drizzle the tahini sauce over the top. Add some fresh herbs like parsley or mint for extra flavor.

This dish works great as an appetizer or side. You can serve it warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with other Mediterranean foods like hummus and pita bread.

7. Eggplant Ratatouille

Eggplant ratatouille is a classic French dish that’s perfect for using up summer veggies.

You’ll need eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and garlic.

Start by dicing all the vegetables. Heat oil in a large pot and cook the onions until soft. Add the other veggies and cook slowly until tender.

For a roasted version, mix the chopped vegetables with oil and herbs. Spread them in a baking dish and cook at 375°F until soft and caramelized.

Serve your ratatouille hot or cold. It’s great as a side dish or main course. You can even freeze leftovers for later.

8. Grilled Eggplant with Chimichurri

Grilled eggplant with chimichurri is a tasty summer dish. You’ll love the smoky flavor of the eggplant paired with the zesty sauce.

To make it, slice eggplants and brush them with oil. Season with spices and grill at 400-450°F until tender.

For the chimichurri, mix parsley, cilantro, oregano, onion, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice. This bright green sauce adds a punch of flavor.

Serve the grilled eggplant topped with chimichurri. It works great as a side dish or even a light main course. You can make it for barbecues or everyday meals.

9. Stuffed Eggplant with Quinoa

Stuffed eggplant with quinoa is a tasty and filling vegetarian dish. It combines the creamy texture of baked eggplant with protein-rich quinoa.

To make this recipe, you’ll start by roasting eggplant halves in the oven. While they cook, prepare a flavorful quinoa filling with ingredients like mushrooms, chickpeas, and herbs.

Once the eggplants are tender, scoop out some of the flesh and mix it into the quinoa. Then stuff the eggplant shells with this mixture and bake again until heated through.

For extra flavor, top your stuffed eggplants with a drizzle of tahini sauce or sprinkle of feta cheese. This dish works great as a main course or hearty side.

10. Eggplant Rollatini

Eggplant rollatini is a delicious Italian dish that’s perfect for eggplant lovers. To make it, you’ll need thinly sliced eggplant, cheese, and marinara sauce.

Start by salting the eggplant slices to draw out moisture. Then coat them in egg and breadcrumbs before frying until golden brown.

Fill each slice with a mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Roll them up and place in a baking dish.

Top the rolls with marinara sauce and more cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Eggplant rollatini is a tasty vegetarian main dish. You can serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

11. Eggplant Curry with Coconut Milk

Eggplant curry with coconut milk is a tasty dish you can make at home. It blends tender eggplant with creamy coconut milk and spices.

To make this curry, start by cutting eggplant into chunks. Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger in a pan. Add curry powder and tomato paste for flavor.

Next, add the eggplant and cook until soft. Pour in coconut milk and let it simmer. You can add chickpeas for extra protein.

Finish the dish with a squeeze of lemon juice and fresh cilantro. This curry is great served over rice for a filling meal.

12. Eggplant Involtini

Eggplant Involtini is a tasty Italian dish that’s easy to make. You’ll need eggplants, tomatoes, garlic, and cheese.

Start by slicing and baking the eggplants until soft. This makes them easy to roll up later.

For the filling, mix ricotta cheese with herbs and spices. Spread this on each eggplant slice, then roll them up.

Place the rolls in a baking dish and cover with tomato sauce. Top with mozzarella cheese for extra flavor.

Bake until the cheese melts and turns golden. Serve your Eggplant Involtini hot with crusty bread on the side.

13. Teriyaki Eggplant

Teriyaki eggplant is a tasty dish that combines the mild flavor of eggplant with sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. You can make it easily at home in about 20 minutes.

Start by cutting eggplant into rounds or lengthwise slices. Cook the eggplant in a hot pan with oil until it’s golden brown and tender.

For the sauce, mix soy sauce, sugar, and mirin. Pour it over the cooked eggplant and let it simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the eggplant.

You can add garlic and ginger for extra flavor. Sprinkle some sesame seeds on top before serving for a nice crunch.

14. Eggplant Lasagna with Ricotta

Eggplant lasagna with ricotta offers a tasty twist on the classic Italian dish. You’ll love this healthier, low-carb version that swaps pasta sheets for roasted eggplant slices.

To make it, start by roasting salted eggplant slices until soft. While they cook, prepare a rich ricotta filling with egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, and herbs.

Layer the dish with tomato sauce, eggplant slices, and the ricotta mixture. Repeat until you’ve used all ingredients. Bake until bubbly and golden.

This hearty meal packs in vegetables while still delivering the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna. It’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.

15. Eggplant and Tomato Casserole

This tasty dish combines eggplant and tomatoes in a cheesy, flavorful casserole.

Start by peeling and slicing a medium eggplant into 1/2-inch pieces. Salt the slices and let them sit for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture.

Brown the eggplant in olive oil, then layer it in a baking dish with sliced tomatoes and onions. Add a mixture of ricotta and Parmesan cheese between layers for extra richness.

Top the casserole with more cheese and bake until bubbly and golden.

The result is a comforting meal that pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad.

This dish is a great way to use fresh summer produce from your garden or farmers market. You can easily customize it by adding herbs or swapping cheeses to suit your taste.

16. Eggplant and Chickpea Stew

Eggplant and chickpea stew is a tasty, filling dish perfect for cold days. You’ll love how the eggplant gets tender and soaks up the flavors of the other ingredients.

To make this stew, start by sautéing onions and spices. Add roasted eggplant, tomato paste, and chickpeas. Pour in some water and let it simmer for about 30 minutes.

This stew is very flexible. You can add extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms if you want. Try adding coconut milk for a creamier texture.

Serve your stew with fresh herbs on top. It goes great with bread or rice. This hearty meal is packed with protein and fiber to keep you satisfied.

17. Sichuan Eggplant with Garlic Sauce

Sichuan eggplant with garlic sauce is a popular Chinese dish. It’s known for its sweet and sour taste with a spicy kick.

The dish uses eggplant slices stir-fried until brown. The sauce combines garlic, soy sauce, and Doubanjiang (broad bean chili paste).

Some versions add minced pork for extra flavor. The eggplant soaks up the savory sauce, creating a delicious mix of textures.

You can find this dish in many Chinese restaurants. It’s a great way to enjoy eggplant with bold Sichuan flavors.

Nutritional Benefits of Eggplant

Eggplants offer many health benefits. They are low in calories but packed with nutrients that can boost your well-being.

Vitamins and Minerals

Eggplants are rich in several key vitamins and minerals. They contain vitamin C, which helps your immune system.

You’ll also find vitamin K, important for blood clotting and bone health.

Eggplants provide potassium, which supports heart function. They have folate too, needed for making DNA and other genetic material.

You’ll get some fiber from eggplants. This aids digestion and helps you feel full. Eggplants also offer small amounts of iron, calcium, and zinc.

Antioxidant Properties

Eggplants are full of antioxidants that protect your cells. They have high levels of nasunin, found mainly in the skin. This compound may help shield cell membranes from damage.

Another key antioxidant in eggplants is chlorogenic acid. It may lower bad cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Eggplants also contain anthocyanins. These give the vegetable its purple color and may help prevent cell damage. Some studies suggest they could lower the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

Cooking Techniques for Eggplant

Eggplant is a versatile vegetable that can be prepared using many different cooking methods. Each technique brings out unique flavors and textures in this hearty ingredient.

Grilling and Roasting

Grilling eggplant gives it a smoky flavor and tender texture. Cut eggplant into 1/2-inch thick slices. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.

Grill for 3-4 minutes per side until softened with nice char marks.

Roasting brings out eggplant’s natural sweetness. Cut into cubes and toss with oil and seasonings. Spread on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through. The cubes should be golden brown and soft.

For whole roasted eggplant, prick the skin with a fork. Roast at 400°F for 30-40 minutes until very soft. Let cool, then scoop out the flesh for dips or sauces.

Baking and Frying

Baked eggplant makes a great side dish or vegetarian main.

Slice eggplant into rounds and arrange in a baking dish. Top with tomato sauce and cheese.

Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and the eggplant is tender.

For crispy eggplant, try pan-frying or deep-frying.

Dip slices in beaten egg, then coat in breadcrumbs. Fry in hot oil for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

You can also stuff and bake whole eggplants.

Cut in half lengthwise and scoop out some flesh. Fill with a mixture of grains, vegetables, and cheese.

Bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes until the eggplant is soft.