Eggplant, with its glossy purple skin and unique flavor, is a staple in many cuisines around the world. Despite its popularity, eggplant is often underutilized in home cooking, with many people unsure of how to incorporate it into their meals. However, this versatile vegetable offers a wide range of culinary possibilities, from hearty main courses to flavorful side dishes and appetizers. In this article, we’ll explore the many ways you can use eggplant in your cooking, as well as some tips for selecting and preparing this delicious ingredient.
Understanding Eggplant
Before diving into the various ways to use eggplant, it’s helpful to understand a bit more about this versatile vegetable. Eggplant, also known as aubergine in some regions, belongs to the nightshade family and is native to India. It comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, with the most common type being the large, dark purple variety found in supermarkets.
Eggplant has a mild, slightly bitter flavor and a meaty texture, making it a popular choice for vegetarian and vegan dishes. It is also low in calories and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to any diet.
When selecting eggplant at the grocery store or farmers’ market, look for specimens that are firm, glossy, and free of bruises or blemishes. Smaller eggplants tend to have fewer seeds and a milder flavor, while larger eggplants may have a more pronounced bitterness.
9 Dishes You Can Make With Eggplant
1. Grilled Eggplant
Grilling is a popular method for preparing eggplant, as it adds a smoky flavor and tenderizes the flesh. To grill eggplant, slice it into thick rounds or lengthwise strips, then brush both sides with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices. Place the eggplant slices on a preheated grill or grill pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until tender and lightly charred.
Grilled eggplant can be served as a standalone side dish or incorporated into a variety of recipes, such as sandwiches, wraps, salads, or pasta dishes. It pairs well with flavors like garlic, lemon, balsamic vinegar, and fresh herbs like basil or mint.
2. Eggplant Parmesan
Eggplant Parmesan is a classic Italian dish that features thinly sliced eggplant layered with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese, then baked until bubbly and golden brown. To make eggplant Parmesan, start by slicing the eggplant into 1/4-inch-thick rounds and seasoning them with salt to draw out excess moisture.
Next, dip the eggplant slices in beaten egg and coat them in a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Fry the coated eggplant slices in hot oil until golden brown and crispy, then layer them in a baking dish with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake the assembled dish in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving. Eggplant Parmesan is a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests.
3. Baba Ganoush
Baba ganoush is a Middle Eastern dip made from roasted eggplant, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. It has a creamy texture and a rich, smoky flavor that pairs well with pita bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables. To make baba ganoush, start by roasting whole eggplants over an open flame or in a hot oven until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft and tender.
Once the eggplants are cool enough to handle, peel off the charred skin and discard it, then place the flesh in a food processor along with tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt to taste. Blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy, then transfer the dip to a serving bowl and drizzle with additional olive oil and chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro.
Baba ganoush can be served as an appetizer or snack, or used as a spread on sandwiches or wraps. It’s a flavorful and nutritious alternative to traditional dips like hummus or tzatziki.
4. Ratatouille
Ratatouille is a traditional French dish made with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. It’s a hearty and flavorful vegetarian dish that’s perfect for showcasing the abundance of summer vegetables. To make ratatouille, start by sautéing diced onions and minced garlic in olive oil until softened and fragrant.
Next, add diced eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes to the pan, along with a pinch of salt and pepper and any desired herbs or spices, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano. Cook the vegetables until they are tender but still slightly firm, then serve the ratatouille hot or at room temperature, garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.
Ratatouille can be enjoyed as a standalone dish or served as a side dish alongside grilled meats or fish. It’s a versatile and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of summer vegetables.
5. Stuffed Eggplant
Stuffed eggplant is a versatile dish that can be customized with a variety of fillings to suit your taste preferences. To make stuffed eggplant, start by cutting the eggplants in half lengthwise and scooping out the flesh, leaving a 1/4-inch-thick shell.
Next, chop the scooped-out eggplant flesh and sauté it with onions, garlic, herbs, and spices until softened and fragrant. Combine the cooked eggplant mixture with cooked grains like rice or quinoa, breadcrumbs, grated cheese, and any desired protein, such as cooked ground meat or tofu.
Fill the eggplant shells with the stuffing mixture, then bake them in a preheated oven until the eggplant is tender and the filling is heated through. Stuffed eggplant can be served as a main course or side dish, and it’s a great way to use up leftover grains and vegetables.
6. Eggplant Curry
Eggplant curry is a flavorful and aromatic dish that’s perfect for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. To make eggplant curry, start by slicing the eggplant into bite-sized pieces and soaking them in salted water for 15-20 minutes to remove any bitterness.
Next, sauté diced onions, garlic, and ginger in a large pot or skillet until softened and fragrant. Add your favorite curry spices, such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, and cook until toasted and aromatic.
Add the sliced eggplant to the pot along with diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and vegetable broth, then simmer the curry until the eggplant is tender and the flavors have melded together. Serve the eggplant curry hot over cooked rice or with naan bread for a delicious and satisfying meal.
7. Eggplant Fries
Eggplant fries are a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional French fries, perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces or enjoying as a snack. To make eggplant fries, start by slicing the eggplant into thin strips or wedges, then coating them in a mixture of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and your favorite herbs and spices.
Arrange the coated eggplant fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then bake them in a preheated oven until golden brown and crispy. Serve the eggplant fries hot with marinara sauce, aioli, or your favorite dipping sauce for a tasty and satisfying snack or appetizer.
8. Eggplant Lasagna
Eggplant lasagna is a lighter and healthier alternative to traditional lasagna, perfect for those following a low-carb or gluten-free diet. To make eggplant lasagna, start by slicing the eggplant into thin rounds and roasting them in the oven until tender.
Next, layer the roasted eggplant slices with marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese in a baking dish, repeating until you’ve used up all of the ingredients. Bake the lasagna in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Eggplant lasagna is a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week. It’s a great way to sneak in extra vegetables and reduce the carb content of traditional lasagna recipes.
9. Eggplant Dip
Eggplant dip, also known as melitzanosalata in Greek cuisine, is a creamy and flavorful dip made from roasted eggplant, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. To make eggplant dip, start by roasting whole eggplants over an open flame or in a hot oven until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft and tender.
Once the eggplants are cool enough to handle, peel off the charred skin and discard it, then place the flesh in a food processor along with minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt to taste. Blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy, then transfer the dip to a serving bowl and drizzle with additional olive oil and chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill.
Eggplant dip can be served as an appetizer or snack, or used as a spread on sandwiches or wraps. It’s a flavorful and nutritious alternative to traditional dips like hummus or tzatziki.
See Also: 3 Chinese Eggplant Recipes
Conclusion
Eggplant is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be used in a wide range of culinary applications, from appetizers and side dishes to main courses and desserts. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, frying, or baking eggplant, there are countless ways to enjoy its unique flavor and texture.
By incorporating eggplant into your cooking repertoire, you can add variety and excitement to your meals while reaping the many health benefits of this delicious vegetable. So whether you’re making eggplant Parmesan, baba ganoush, or stuffed eggplant, rest assured that you’re creating a flavorful and nutritious dish that’s sure to impress.