Deliciously Unexpected: 19 Eggplant Dishes You’ll Love

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Eggplant is a versatile vegetable that often doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. While some may only think of eggplant parmesan, there’s a wide variety of delicious dishes you can make with this purple produce. These 19 Eggplant Recipes offer tasty and unexpected ways to enjoy it. From appetizers to main courses, you’ll find new ideas to make the most of this nutritious vegetable. Let’s explore some surprisingly yummy eggplant recipes that might just change your mind about this often-underappreciated ingredient.

Chili Garlic Eggplant with Rice

Chili Garlic Eggplant with Rice by A Virtual Vegan
Photo Credit: A Virtual Vegan

“Easy Chili Garlic Eggplant on a bed of fluffy rice. Full of punchy flavors it’s garlicky, spicy, sweet, and savory. I love this with some steamed broccoli or stir-fried veggies. Such a delicious dinner!”

Get the Recipe: Chili Garlic Eggplant with Rice

Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan by Lauren Kelly Nutrition
Photo Credit: Lauren Kelly Nutrition

A simple, healthy and delicious way to eat Eggplant Parmesan. Low carb, gluten free and perfect for a busy weeknight!

Get the Recipe: Eggplant Parmesan

Stuffed Eggplant

Stuffed Eggplant by Lauren Kelly Nutrition
Photo Credit: Lauren Kelly Nutrition

Stuffed Eggplant with Chicken and Mozzarella is so healthy and simple to make. You will never miss all of the carbs and sugar in this stuffed eggplant!

Get the Recipe: Stuffed Eggplant

Best Italian Eggplant Parmesan Sandwich (Pan Fried Recipe)

Best Italian Eggplant Parmesan Sandwich (Pan Fried Recipe) by Sigsbee Street
Photo Credit: Sigsbee Street

“I love an eggplant parmesan so making it into a sandwich is all the better. You get the seasoned eggplant, the melty cheese, and the flavorful marinara sauce all in one bite. These eggplant parmesan sandwiches take a little bit of time but are so worth it!”

Get the Recipe: Best Italian Eggplant Parmesan Sandwich (Pan Fried Recipe)

Crispy Baked Eggplant

Crispy Baked Eggplant by The Forked Spoon
Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon

Crispy Baked Eggplant breaded in a mixture of crunchy panko, garlic, and shredded Parmesan then baked to crispy perfection. Enjoy these tender baked eggplant slices as a healthy snack or easy side dish.

Get the Recipe: Crispy Baked Eggplant

Eggplant Dip

Eggplant Dip by Luci Morsels
Photo Credit: Luci Morsels

Learn to love the flavors of eggplant in this roasted eggplant dip recipe. You’ll love the ease of roasting veggies and beans together to then quickly puree them into a scrumptious dip that’s full of vitamins and antioxidants!

Get the Recipe: Eggplant Dip

Roasted Eggplant

Roasted Eggplant by The Forked Spoon
Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon

Roasted Eggplant is flavorful, delicious, and an all-time favorite low-carb side dishes. So easy to make, roasting eggplant results in perfectly tender and caramelized bite-size pieces perfect for dipping or tossing in your favorite pasta and salads.

Get the Recipe: Roasted Eggplant

Eggplant Pasta (Pasta alla Norma)

Eggplant Pasta (Pasta alla Norma) by The Heirloom Pantry
Photo Credit: The Heirloom Pantry

Eggplant Pasta (Pasta alla Norma) is a mouthwatering vegetarian pasta rich in quintessential Italian flavors. It features al dente pasta dressed in a hearty tomato sauce with pan-fried eggplant and fresh herbs. Make this filling pasta in under 30 minutes for weeknights and entertaining!

Get the Recipe: Eggplant Pasta (Pasta alla Norma)

Teriyaki Tofu and Eggplant

Teriyaki Tofu and Eggplant by The Heirloom Pantry
Photo Credit: The Heirloom Pantry

Teriyaki Tofu and Eggplant is a flavor-rich dish featuring crispy tofu and tender eggplant smothered in a homemade teriyaki sauce. Make this delicious dish in a few easy steps in 30 minutes and enjoy it as a side or main course donburi-style!

Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Tofu and Eggplant

Easy Baked Eggplant Rollatini

Easy Baked Eggplant Rollatini by Savory Experiments
Photo Credit: Savory Experiments

If you’re looking for a vegetarian meal for Meatless Monday, look no further than this Eggplant Rollatini recipe! It’s EASY to make and full of flavor!

Get the Recipe: Easy Baked Eggplant Rollatini

Baba Ganoush

Baba Ganoush by This Silly Girl's Kitchen
Photo Credit: This Silly Girl’s Kitchen

This Baba Ganoush Recipe is a creamy, dreamy eggplant dip that’s full of flavor and super easy to make. Perfect for dipping pita bread, fresh veggies, or even spreading on a sandwich. It’s the perfect appetizer.

Get the Recipe: Baba Ganoush

Gochujang Eggplant

Gochujang Eggplant by The Daily Dish
Photo Credit: The Daily Dish

Gochujang Eggplant combines the unique texture of eggplant with the bold, spicy flavor of Korean Gochujang sauce. And the best part? You can whip up this dish in less than 30 minutes!

Get the Recipe: Gochujang Eggplant

Mediterranean Eggplant Chickpea Salad

Mediterranean Eggplant Chickpea Salad by Veggies Save The Day
Photo Credit: Veggies Save The Day

Mediterranean Eggplant Chickpea Salad features tomatoes, pine nuts, and fresh basil in a simple vinaigrette. It’s made with thin, quick-cooking Japanese eggplant that are grilled to bring out their sweet flavor. Easy to prepare in under half an hour, this hearty summer salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, and delicious meals any day of the week.

Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Eggplant Chickpea Salad

Eggplant Cutlets 

Eggplant Cutlets by Hassle Free Vegan
Photo Credit: Hassle Free Vegan

These baked Eggplant Cutlets are my family’s favorite way to eat eggplant. Eggplant is such a versatile vegetable that’s great in so many different kinds of dishes. But this vegan recipe is the best way to make eggplant.

Get the Recipe: Eggplant Cutlets

Italian Eggplant Parmigiana with Vodka Sauce

Italian Eggplant Parmigiana with Vodka Sauce by Xoxo Bella
Photo Credit: Xoxo Bella

This Italian eggplant parmigiana, which is also known as parmigiana di melanzane, is an authentic Italian recipe and family favourite. This baked eggplant casserole has a tasty tomato and vodka sauce. It’s a great vegetarian dinner idea, just bursting with delicious flavours.

Get the Recipe: Italian Eggplant Parmigiana with Vodka Sauce

Cajun Shrimp and Crab Pasta with Eggplant

Cajun Shrimp and Crab Pasta with Eggplant by Gimme From Scratch
Photo Credit: Gimme From Scratch

If you love Cajun shrimp and crab pasta then this recipe is for you! The addition of crispy fried eggplant pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce – it’s a match made in heaven. It’s packed with flavor and will leave you wanting more. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover eggplant you may have and whenever you’re using Cajun spice you just can’t go wrong!

Get the Recipe: Cajun Shrimp and Crab Pasta with Eggplant

Tortang Talong, Filipino Aubergine Omelette

Tortang Talong, Filipino Aubergine Omelette by Oh My Veg
Photo Credit: Oh My Veg

This quick Filipino tortang talong recipe is packed with umami-rich smoky flavors and makes for a delicious vegetarian breakfast.

Get the Recipe: Tortang Talong, Filipino Aubergine Omelette

Pasta Alla Norma (Eggplant Pasta)

Pasta Alla Norma (Eggplant Pasta) by The Flavours of Pasta
Photo Credit: The Flavours of Pasta

Classic Pasta Alla Norma, or pasta with eggplant, has all the traditional flavors but is made with a healthy twist. Baked eggplants as a healthy and delicious choice to compliment the fresh basil and tomato-based sauce.

Get the Recipe: Pasta Alla Norma (Eggplant Pasta)

Vangyache Bharit, Maharashtrian Smoky Aubergine Curry

Vangyache Bharit, Maharashtrian Smoky Aubergine Curry by Oh My Veg
Photo Credit: Oh My Veg

This Maharashtrian vangyache bharit recipe highlights mashed, smoky aubergine with fresh spices. It’s perfect with chapati/roti and dal.

Get the Recipe: Vangyache Bharit, Maharashtrian Smoky Aubergine Curry

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Meet Dee

Meet Dee

I love to share recipes with real ingredients that are both sweet and savory (especially sweet:) My mission with Gimme From Scratch is to inspire you with recipes that will bring your families together in the kitchen. I'm introverted at heart but know how important socializing can be for maintaining good relationships, when writing not only am looking forward to sharing information - It's also building connections between readers who love good food as much as I do!

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I love to share recipes with real ingredients that are both sweet and savory (especially sweet:)

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