Eggplant - known as aubergine in some parts of Europe - can be white, pale pink, green or have a mottled purple/white stripe. The long, thin Asian varieties can be slightly sweet, while the smooth, glossy deep purple eggplant is the one we're most familiar with.
Eggplant is great at soaking up flavors, and has an affinity with garlic, tomatoes, herbs and spices as well as mozzarella cheese. However, it's flavor transforms when chargrilled or roasted, and the flesh become deliciously soft and smoky. Check out no 7 for a fantastic example of this transformation!
1. Spicy garlic eggplantEggplant can be tough to get right. Not only does it tend to be bitter, but it can soak up oil like a sponge, making it greasy. With this recipe, however, you'll avoid all of those problems. Scoring eggplant and roasting it whole brings out its natural sweetness. Get the full recipe
here.
2. Vegan eggplant parmesan (h/t Minimalist Baker)If you know anyone who thinks that vegan food is dull or tasteless, then serve them this! Everything from the crisp and yielding textures, to the marinara sauce and vegan parmesan work so beautifully. Total winner!
3. Vegetarian eggplant goulashTraditionally, Hungarian goulash is a hearty beef stew. In the recipe below, however, eggplant stands in for the beef for a vegetarian version of this classic dish that's just as tasty. Best of all? It's so much quicker to make. Get the full recipe
here.
4. Veggie-stuffed eggplant (h/t Taste of Home)Eggplant is perfect for stuffing and this recipe gives an easy method to perfect the skill. Lots of veggies, lots of flavor and tons of nutritional value; this is perfect for a hearty weekday fix.
5. Eggplant Parmesan pastaEggplant Parmesan is an Italian-American classic. This adaptation of the dish, cooked up as a pasta, is just as delicious. The recipe first requires you to fry breaded squares of eggplant. Toss them with freshly cooked pasta and a favorite store-bought or homemade tomato sauce, and dinner is nearly complete. Get the full tutorial
here.
6. Layered eggplant and zucchini casserole (h/t Oh She Glows)This layered casserole dish is testament to how wonderful vegetables can taste. The herbs, the beans, the eggplant itself, all bound together with tomato-based sauce...it's straightforward hearty food for the discerning vegetarian!
7. Baba ghanoush (h/t Tori Avey)People get pretty passionate about baba ghanoush, and frankly, we get it. The rich, smoky, piquant dip is heavenly served with warmed pita bread. Or chips. Or just a spoon.
