Looking for delicious ways to cook eggplant? This collection of 30 easy eggplant recipes will show you how to roast it, sauté it, bake it, or stuff it, no guesswork needed.
From weeknight dinners to dips, soups, easy pasta recipes, and salads, you’ll find flavorful and approachable ideas for making the most of this versatile ingredient.
Eggplant is one of our absolute favorite ingredients to cook with—and for good reason. It’s rich, meaty, and soaks up flavor like a sponge.
Louise and I love how versatile it is in the kitchen, whether we’re roasting it for a creamy dip, tossing it in a pasta, or baking it until golden and crispy.
In this collection, we’ve gathered 30 of our best vegetarian eggplant recipes, many inspired by the Mediterranean dishes Nico grew up with and cook every day.
From baba ganoush and eggplant caponata to hearty Italian casseroles and grilled slices for wraps and bowls—there’s something here for every mood and mealtime.
Comforting Eggplant Recipes
Eggplant Parmigiana
The ultimate baked eggplant dish layered with tomato sauce and melted cheese for a cozy, oven-ready meal.
Stuffed Eggplant
Roasted eggplant halves filled with a savory lentil mix; eggplant makes a perfect edible bowl that holds flavor beautifully.
Vegetable Lasagna
Thin slices of eggplant add richness and structure to this veggie-loaded lasagna; baking brings out their natural sweetness.
Eggplant Pizza
Eggplant slices serve as a low-carb pizza base, roasted until tender and topped with tomato and cheese.
Italian Rice Balls
These crispy arancini are made with tomato risotto packed with diced eggplant, an unexpected and delicious way to use leftovers.
Eggplant Pasta, Grains & Casseroles
Pasta alla Norma
A Sicilian classic: sautéed eggplant tossed in tomato sauce with pasta, basil, and a sprinkle of savory umami.
Red Pepper Pasta with Eggplant
Creamy roasted red pepper sauce meets tender roasted eggplant for a quick and colorful weeknight dinner.
Creamy Eggplant Risotto
Roasted eggplant melts into this creamy risotto, adding depth and a velvety finish without extra cream.
Mediterranean Couscous
Eggplant and chickpeas turn fluffy couscous into a satisfying, meal-prep-friendly dish that’s quick and nourishing.
Vegetable Couscous
A great way to use leftover roasted eggplant and zucchini—just toss into couscous with lemon and herbs.
Barley Salad
Oven-roasted eggplant and chewy barley combine in this zesty salad with lemon vinaigrette.
Farro Salad
Grilled or roasted eggplant cubes bring smoky flavor and bite to this hearty Mediterranean-style grain bowl.
Easy Roasted, Grilled & Air-Fried Eggplant
Eggplant Soups, Stews & Curries
Eggplant Soup
Roasting eggplant first gives this soup a deep, smoky flavor that blends into a creamy texture.
Vegetable Stew
Eggplant softens and thickens the stew, soaking up spices and turning tender without falling apart.
Eggplant Curry
Cubes of roasted eggplant pair with a coconut curry sauce full of Indian-inspired spices and fresh herbs.
Thai Red Curry
Soft eggplant simmers in a spicy-sweet red curry with lime, chili, and basil for a bold and aromatic meal.
Vegetable tagine is a warm, spiced stew with eggplant and chickpeas simmered in a rich tomato sauce. It’s a one-pot meal perfect for serving with couscous or flatbread.
Dips, Spreads & Salads with Eggplant
Baba Ganoush
Char the eggplant for that signature smoky flavor, then blend into this creamy dip with tahini and lemon.
Mutabal
A roasted eggplant and yogurt spread that’s silky, tangy, and ideal for mezze or sandwiches.
Zaalouk
This Moroccan dish stews eggplant with tomato, garlic, and cumin for a warm or cold salad.
Caponata
Sweet and sour Sicilian relish made with fried eggplant, olives, and pine nuts, great on toast or bowls.
Quick & Easy Sautéed Eggplant Sides
What Goes Well with Eggplant?
- Add a Bold Sauce
Eggplant loves strong flavors. Serve it with pesto, hummus, tahini, or Italian dressing.
- Toss into Salads or Bowls
Roasted or air-fried eggplant adds texture to pasta salads, grain bowls, and couscous.
- Pair with Pasta or Legumes
Serve eggplant next to your favorite pasta, chickpea dishes, or other hearty proteins.
If you tried these Eggplant recipes or any other recipe on our blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let us know how it goes in the comments. We love hearing from you!
30 Eggplant Recipes: Roasted Eggplant
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ⅓ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the seasoning
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or other vinegar
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ¼ cup parsley finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoons dried oregano
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 430°F or 220°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.Wash and dry 2 medium eggplants, remove the stems, and cut them into ⅓ inch (1 cm) discs.
- Arrange the discs on the baking sheet, brush them with 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, and season with ⅓ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- Roast 20 minutes, turn and roast 10 more minutes, then transfer onto a serving platter. Eggplant discs should be golden, slightly browned, and tender, but not dry.
- Drizzle with seasoning while they are still hot. Ideally set aside 15 minutes before serving, to allow the condiment to infuse the eggplants.
Notes
Nutrition
Hi! We are Nico & Louise
We’re here to share delicious, easy, and healthy plant-based recipes (vegetarian & vegan) 🌿✨.
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I love eggplants 🍆. This recipe was perfect .