She Strengthens

The Unappreciated Hero of Vegetables: 21 Delicious Eggplant Recipes to Try

When it comes to vegetables, certain varieties like squash, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower often steal the spotlight. However, being a favorite can also mean being overserved and overeaten. That’s why we’re shining the light on the humble eggplant, a versatile and flavorful vegetable that deserves more attention.

Eggplant’s Unique Qualities

The squishy insides of eggplant make it perfect for soaking up a wide range of flavors, from tangy to savory. This quality allows eggplant to transform into various dishes, from comfort food to international cuisine.

21 Healthy Eggplant Recipes to Inspire You

Sheet-Pan Eggplant Parmesan

A lighter take on the classic Italian dish, this recipe bakes eggplant instead of frying it, making it a healthier alternative. Serve with a side salad or sautéed broccolini for a well-rounded meal.

Tomato Eggplant Zucchini Bake with Garlic and Parmesan

This Mediterranean-inspired dish combines the natural sweetness of eggplant with the crunch of zucchini and the tang of cherry tomatoes. Serve as a veggie side or top with flaky white fish or chicken.

Baked Eggplant Fries with Greek Tzatziki Sauce

Who says veggie fries can’t be delicious? This recipe coats eggplant in bread crumbs and serves it with a refreshing tzatziki sauce. Opt for panko bread crumbs for an extra crunchy texture.

Persian Eggplant Dip

This creamy dip is a game-changer for veggie lovers. Made with only a handful of ingredients, it’s easy to whip up and packed with nutrients. Serve with warm pita, lavash, or naan bread.

Miso Eggplant with Black Garlic

The sauce in this recipe is so good, you’ll want to eat it for dessert. Made with black garlic, miso, sake, and mirin, it’s the perfect pairing for the light, natural flavor of eggplant. Add sliced scallions or toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch.

Easy Mini Eggplant Pizza

This low-carb twist on the classic pizza is a game-changer. Simply slice the eggplant, coat with olive oil and salt, and bake for 15 minutes. Top with marinara sauce and your favorite toppings for a quick and easy meal.

Eggplant Patties

Veggie burger patties can be dry or soggy, but eggplant changes the game. Its moist nature holds the ingredients together perfectly, making it easy to make a delicious vegan patty.

One-Pot Greek Eggplant and Rice

This hearty dish is the perfect balance of comforting and healthy. Made by sautéing eggplant, tomato, onions, and garlic, and layering on rice, cheese, and spices, it’s a Big Fat Greek Dinner in one pot.

Grilled Eggplant Tacos

Who needs tortillas? This recipe nails Mexican flavors without going crazy on carbs. Use black beans, avocado, cilantro, and shredded cheese to create a delicious and healthy taco.

Eggplant Gratin with Feta Cheese

This decadent spin on eggplant Parmesan is light on tomato and heavy on melted goodness. Made with an unexpected blend of cheeses and creams, it’s a must-try for dairy lovers.

Eggplant, Caramelized Onion, and Tomato Pasta

This pasta recipe lets the eggplant shine, accompanied by caramelized onions and herbs for a simple yet fulfilling dinner. Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Sichuan Eggplant Stir-Fry

This traditional Sichuan dish requires a trip to an Asian supermarket, but it’s worth it. The sticky, sweet, sour, and savory sauce is a game-changer. Sub crumbled tofu or ground chicken for a protein-packed twist.

Crisp Eggplant Chips with Smoky Seasoning

Yet again, eggplant prevails over potato. These crispy chips are made by baking thin slices of eggplant with smoky seasoning. Say goodbye to processed food and hello to a delicious snack.

Eggplant Rollatini

These rollatini are anything but small. Eggplant is sliced length-wise to create the perfect roll-up, providing just enough space to squeeze in a hefty blend of cheeses. Add thawed frozen spinach or diced marinated artichoke hearts for extra veg.

Easy One-Pan Eggplant Chicken Dinner

This recipe is one of those simple dishes that requires throwing things in a pot and waiting for the heat to work its magic. Easy is an understatement. Use sausage or ground turkey for a protein-packed twist.

Brussels Sprouts Eggplant Buddha Bowl

In a grain bowl rut? This Buddha-inspired recipe is full of hard-boiled eggs, roasted Brussels sprouts, and baked eggplant. The secret lies in the dressing, a perfect mix of tart and sweet.

Eggplant and Caramelized Onion Grain Salad with Walnut Vinaigrette

Hate boring salads? This recipe uses grains, fresh fruit, and creamy dressing to make it exciting and nutritious. The crunch from grapes and walnuts is the perfect addition.

Crispy Eggplant “Bacon”

Eggplant saves the day again, this time as a vegetarian substitute for bacon. Its meaty insides mean the texture resembles actual meat, and the seasoning is smoked and spiced to perfection.

Pressed Eggplant Sandwiches

Perfect for a picnic or an easy lunch, this eggplant sandwich packs freshness into one bite. Made with pesto, grilled veggies, fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, and ciabatta bread, it’s everything you love about Italian flavors.

Spicy Eggplant Balls with Minty Yogurt Wrap

Lentil meatballs can be dry and flavorless, but eggplant changes the game. This recipe uses eggplant as a vegetarian filler and adds bread crumbs, garlic, onion, egg, and herbs to make sure they’re packed with flavor.

Chickpea, Tofu, and Eggplant Curry

Eggplant’s ability to soak up sauces is unparalleled, and this curry recipe demonstrates this skill perfectly. The rich flavors sink deep into the flesh of the eggplant, making every bite a curry-filled explosion.