- SAVE TO FAVOURITES GO TO COLLECTIONS
- COMMENT
- JUMP TO RECIPE
Eggplants (or aubergines if you’re British) are one of my favorite vegetables. When prepared well, eggplants are tender, meaty and flavourful and an amazing addition/base for many delicious recipes. These vegetarian eggplant recipes really show them off at their finest!
Download our free app Easy Vegetarian !
(4.7★, 100K+ Downloads in Google Play)
🥗 300+ High-Protein Recipes 📅 Grocery Lists & Meal Plans 🚫Totally Ad-free
Jump to:
- Mains
- Sides and Salads
- Snacks and Appetisers
- FAQs
You’ll notice that I said ‘when prepared well’.
As with many ingredients, it is possible to cook eggplants badly, in which case they can often end up tasting bitter and tough, or at the other end of the spectrum, they can guzzle down any oil you have used, resulting in a greasy mess.
How to cook the perfect eggplant
The next time you cook eggplant, take my advice: slice it and put a couple of slits in each slice (works best when cut into rings).
Then, lay some kitchen roll on a baking sheet or other flat surface, and sprinkle salt over it.
Place the eggplant slices on the salted kitchen roll and sprinkle salt over them. Leave them to soak for 30/40 mins before wiping the salt off and cooking.
This gets rid of any lingering bitterness and prevents them from absorbing too much oil.
What recipes do we have for you today?
There are so many different ways to prepare vegetarian recipes using eggplant. These healthy eggplant recipes range from lasagne to mediterranean stuffed eggplant, to eggplant cannelloni and baba ghanoush.
Eggplant pairs particularly well with tomato and sharp cheeses like vegetarian parmesan. Hence why it is used in many vegetarian Mediterranean recipes . Its subtle flavor is also complemented by fresh herbs like oregano, thyme and basil.
We hope you enjoy trying out the range of delicious food that can be made with the humble eggplant!
Let’s get into these vegetarian eggplant recipes!
Try some of our incredible vegetarian aubergine recipes now:
Vegetarian Eggplant Mains
1. Aubergine and Lentil Moussaka
Bonus : creamy, tasty, full of protein
This healthy high protein vegetarian moussaka is a true veggie delight with Greek soul and full of flavour and texture (like this? Try our other healthy vegetarian dinners now!)!
2. Spaghetti with Arrabbiata Sauce
Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp Bonus: so simple, tasty and spicy dinner
This easy pasta arrabiata can be made just as spicy as you like it – you’re in control with our step by step guide. Sugo all’arrabbiata here we come!
3. Aubergine (Eggplant) Curry
Bonus: quick, nutritious and very delicious, can be stored for a while in the fridge
This amazing aubergine curry (or eggplant curry) is quick, vegan and soooo tasty (it’s definitely one of our fave lazy vegan recipes ). Brought to you by the kings of curry.
- Ideal for weight loss
- Easy vegetarian recipes only
- Automated grocery lists
- Use on mobile or download as PDF
4. Grilled Eggplant With Feta
Protein : 2.9g Calories : 208kcal Ready in: 1 hour 2 minutes (12 minutes prep) Recipe by: KalynsKitchen Bonus: delicious and healthy dish
Grilled Eggplant with Feta and Herbs is a delicious way to cook eggplant that even eggplant avoiders will enjoy!
5. Pasta al Forno with Aubergine
Protein : 27g Calories : 562kcal Ready in: 1 hour Recipe by: LittleSugarSnaps Bonus: easy to make, hearty and incredibly tasty
This pasta al forno recipe combines rigatoni pasta, a hearty aubergine ragu and plenty of mozzarella cheese (for more examples of vegetarian pasta bakes to die for, check these out!). This aubergine pasta bake is fantastic meat-free comfort food.
6. Curry with Chickpeas, Aubergines
Protein : 17g Calories : 300kcal Ready in: 45 minutes Recipe by: SuperGoldenBakes Bonus: super tasty, so easy, hearty and filling
This hearty vegetable curry recipe is packed with aubergine, courgette, chickpeas and topped with grilled halloumi (if you like this, you’ll love these vegetarian stew recipes !). Easy to make, super delicious and slimming friendly too!
7. Roasted Eggplant Parmesan Stacks
Protein : 21g Calories : 414kcal Ready in: 55 minutes Recipe by: BowlOfDelicious Bonus: easy, tasty, healthy and so comforting
These roasted eggplant parmesan stacks are lighter, easier, and faster than traditional eggplant parmesan recipe, and they’re gluten free too! Just roast the eggplant slices, layer with sauce and cheese, and bake!
8. Eggplant with California Figs
Protein : 3g Calories : 351kcal Ready in: 1 hour (just 15 minutes prep) Recipe by: GFreeFoodie Bonus: beautiful, simple, mega tasty
Try this beautiful and delicious gluten-free recipe for Baked Eggplant with California Figs and Leeks from KC the G-Free Foodie – it’s easy to make, healthy, tasty and impressive (if gluten free is your need, try these veggie gluten free dishes ). What’s not to love?
9. Miso-glazed Aubergine
Protein : 8g Calories : 246kcal Ready in: 40 minutes Recipe by: SixHungryFeet Bonus: easy to cook, healthy and absolutely delicious
Japanese-style dish. Umami packed, Miso-glazed Aubergine is a simple and delicious dish that the whole family will love.
10. Aubergine Rogan Josh
Protein : 23g Calories : 339kcal Ready in: 1 hour 5 minutes (just 20 minutes prep) Recipe by: LittleSugarSnaps Bonus: healthy, high-protein and delicious dish
This vegetarian rogan josh curry is packed with wholesome ingredients – it’s healthy comfort food for chilly days. This curry is vegetarian/ vegan and a great way to satisfy a curry craving.
11. Oven Baked Eggplant Steaks
Protein : 6g Calories : 212kcal Ready in: 1 hour 10 minutes (just 15 minutes prep) Recipe by: CookEatLiveLove Bonus: super crispy, flavorful, easy to make, full of nutritional benefits
Delicious sliced eggplant breaded and baked in the oven until crisp. This easy to make vegan entree has tons of flexibility. Change up the sauce and way of serving up this easy to make eggplant recipe for a new and different meal each time.
12. Caponata alla Giudia
Protein : 4g Calories : 234kcal Ready in: 45 minutes Recipe by: FamilyFriendsFood Bonus: mega delicious, flavorful, crunchy and full of taste dish
A delicious dish of aubergines in a sweet-and-sour tomato sauce, with olives and capers.
13. Healthy Eggplant Parmesan
Protein : 5g Calories : 76.4kcal Ready in: 35 minutes Recipe by: PickyEaterBlog Bonus: easy, cheesy, healthy and delicious
This low-carb, healthy eggplant parmesan is a lightened up version of the classic Italian dish (got to be one of our favorite vegetarian Italian recipes). Made without breadcrumbs, each slice is low in calories without compromising on flavor. Make sure you pick a vegetarian parmesan to keep it vegetarian.
14. Eggplant Cacciatore
Protein : 16g Calories : 497kcal Ready in: 45 minutes Recipe by: ConnoisseurusVeg Bonus: simple, yet delicious and nutritious meal
This vegan eggplant cacciatore is made with melt-in-your mouth slabs of roasted eggplant simmered in a light white wine tomato sauce with savory mushrooms, garlic and bell peppers.
15. Pasta alla Norma
Protein : 13g Calories : 425kcal Ready in: 1 hour Recipe by: PinchAndSwirl Bonus: quick and easy preparation, beautiful and full flavor dish
A wonderfully flavorful, lightened up version of the classic pasta dish from Sicily!
16. Baingan Masala
Protein : 5g Calories : 258kcal Ready in: 30 minutes Recipe by: VegRecipesOfIndia Bonus: quick, easy, tasty and full of health benefits curry
Hyderabadi style baingan recipe – absolutely delicious brinjal curry. Accompanies chapati, rotis and bhakris and biryanis very well.
17. Spaghetti and Aubergine ‘Meat’balls
Protein : 7g Calories : 238kcal Ready in: 30 minutes Recipe by: VeggieDesserts Bonus: so tasty, easy, full of flavour and kids-friendly
Aubergines give a dense and ‘meaty’ texture to these balls. I’ve kept any spices to a minimum so the garlic and oregano don’t overpower the balls – making them perfect for fussy kids. Our whole family love these balls and they’re a great way to subtly introduce the flavour of aubergines.
18. Grilled Aubergine & Chilli Spaghetti
Protein : 9.58g Calories : 293.96kcal Ready in: 30 minutes Recipe by: TinnedTomatoes Bonus: simple, delicious and flavorful
A quick, simple and tasty spaghetti sauce packed with vegetables and packed with flavour.
19. Aubergine Chickpea Curry
Protein : 7.5g Calories : 424kcal Ready in : 50 minutes Recipe by : TheLastFoodBlog Bonus : easy, quick
Aubergine and chickpea curry is the perfect tasty weeknight dinner. It’s so easy to make and tastes amazing! This vegan curry is perfect for the whole family to enjoy!
20. Tomato Miso Roasted Eggplant
Protein : 3.8 g Calories : 231kcal Ready in : 40 minutes Recipe by : CookedAndLoved Bonus : vegan, gluten free
Roasted eggplant with tomato miso sauce is rich in umami flavour, slightly salty and sweet with just a touch of acidity. It’s my take on the classic miso eggplant dish and perfect as a side dish or a main with rice or quinoa. It’s a vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and low-carb friendly eggplant recipe.
21. Braised Eggplant With Tofu
Protein : 14g Calories : 380kcal Ready in : 1 hour Recipe by : WokAndKin Bonus : rich, vegan
Braised Eggplant with Tofu is pure comfort food. The eggplants are simmered until silky, resting on bean curd that have soaked up the vegetable juices!
22. Aubergine Shakshuka
Protein : 10g Calories : 352kcal Ready in : 30 minutes Recipe by : FamilyFriendsFood Bonus : light, delicious, spicy
A spicy, garlicky, saucy shakshuka with chunky aubergine (eggplant), that makes a substantial breakfast, brunch or dinner.
23. Eggplant Chickpea Bake
Protein : 20g Calories : 578kcal Ready in : 45 minutes Recipe by : TinnedTomatoes Bonus : one tray, high protein
An easy aubergine, chickpea and spinach bake made in a sheet pan for a simple family dinner.\ Suitable for vegetarian, vegan and dairy-free diets.
24. Aubergine Cauliflower Curry
Protein : 7g Calories : 271kcal Ready in : 35 minutes Recipe by : VeganPunks Bonus : spicy, simple, vegan
Indian roasted aubergine and cauliflower curry is so delicious, easy to make and great for meal prepping. Featuring a thick tomato-y gravy, a fantastic (yet simple) spice blend and creamy coconut. We bet you’ll be reaching for seconds before you know it.
25. Roast Aubergine Soup
Protein : 4g Calories : 201kcal Ready in : 55 minutes Recipe by : ThinlySpread Bonus : warm and creamy
This roast aubergine soup with courgettes and tomatoes really makes the most of the late summer harvest. It’s a glorious celebration of those long balmy days and is full of the taste of sunshine.
26. Sweet Potato, Eggplant and Metis
Protein : 5g Calories : 245kcal Ready in : 45 minutes Recipe by : TinnedTomatoes Bonus : warming, fragrant
A Moroccan style Aubergine, Sweet Potato and Metis® Tagine served on a bed of fluffy couscous.
27. Eggplant Zucchini Tofu Red Curry
Protein : 14.6g Calories : 546kcal Ready in : 30 minutes Recipe by : LavenderAndMacarons Bonus : creamy, zesty, freezer-friendly
This Thai Eggplant Red Curry is a simple yet flavor packed meal perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights. Zucchini and tofu add richness and nutrients to this already healthy freezer-friendly dish (check out our vegan zucchini recipes if you want more zucchini inspo). Made in one pot and ready in just 30 minutes. Vegan, GF too.
28. Curried Okra and Eggplant
Protein : 8g Calories : 214kcal Ready in : 25 minutes Recipe by : BeyondMereSustenance Bonus : warming, fragrant, flavourful
Warm Indian spices give farm-fresh vegetables an exotic flavor in this quick and healthy dish!
29. Eggplant Lasagne
Protein : 21g Calories : 516kcal Ready in : 1 hour Recipe by : ScrummyLane Bonus : hearty, simple
If you’re on the hunt for a really easy meatless meal, you won’t be disappointed with this easy vegetarian eggplant lasagna. With no white sauce to make, you need just a few steps and around 30 minutes hands-on time to get it in the oven. It’s garlic-y, meaty, healthy, and VERY tasty. The best part? There’s even some eggplant sauce left over for another dinner, so it’s a 2-in-1 meal!
30. Eggplant with Stir Fry Sauce
Protein : 22g Calories : 363kcal Ready in : 30 minutes Recipe by : SlowTheCookDown Bonus : rich, flavourful
Roasted baby eggplant is a simple vegetarian Chinese stir fried dish that comes together quickly for an easy weeknight meal (check out these other vegetarian Chinese recipes if you like the sound of this!). Easily made vegan.
31. Eggplant Pepper and Tomato Pizza
Protein : 2 g Calories : 85kcal Ready in: 2 hours 20 minutes Recipe by : ThinlySpread Bonus : loaded with veggies, fresh dough
Making the most of this year’s final crop of beautifully ripe botanical fruits this aubergine pizza is a glorious celebration of the end of summer! Freshly risen pizza dough is topped with a rich tomato sauce, roasted peppers, halved cherry tomatoes and chunks of gorgeous roasted plump aubergine.
Aubergine Sides and Salads
32. Escalivada
Protein : 3g Calories : 104kcal Ready in: 1 hour 15 minutes (only 25 minutes prep) Recipe by: MissionFood Bonus: super simple yet satisfying, delicious and flavorful
Escalivada, sometimes called escalibada, is a Catalan roasted vegetable dish. It features eggplant and red bell peppers, and sometimes onions and/or tomatoes. It’s a light option for a Spanish tapas menu or can act as a simple vegetarian side.
33. Moroccan Eggplant
Protein : 1g Calories : 267kcal Ready in: 35 minutes Recipe by: СarolinesСooking Bonus: light, delicious, spicy and so good
If you ever thought eggplant was boring, then you need to try this Moroccan eggplant with chermoula. The punchy sauce transforms cooked eggplant to make a flavor-packed side or mezze dish.
34. Eggplant Salad with Harissa
Protein : 5g Calories : 156kcal Ready in: 1 hour 45 minutes Recipe by: SaladsWithAnastasia Bonus: light, delicious, spicy and so good
This Eggplant Salad is substantial enough to have for the main meal and has big bold flavours. A great vegetarian option for your next dinner.
35. Eggplant Gratin with Feta Cheese
Protein : 9.4 g Calories : 302kcal Ready in : 55 minutes Recipe by: LavenderAndMacarons Bonus : cheesy, creamy
This creamy and scrumptious Eggplant Gratin is smothered with a secret white sauce and topped with a generous layer or Gruyere cheese. It is a side dish that is so easy to make and will be gone before you know it.
36. Eggplant Caprese Salad with Garlic
Protein : 13g Calories : 490kcal Ready in : 25 minutes Recipe by : CookedAndLoved Bonus : simple, flavourful
For a more satiating and hearty version of the Italian classic, try this Eggplant Caprese Salad with sweet tomatoes, basil, mozzarella and aged balsamic vinegar topped with some aromatic crispy garlic. This gluten-free and low-carb-friendly salad meal can be served as a light main or as a side dish.
37. Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables
Protein : 3g Calories : 162kcal Ready in : 30 minutes Recipe by : ItsNotComplicated Bonus : tender, vegan
These Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables will become a regular inclusion in your meal plans. The oven-roasted vegetables are quickly and easily prepared and are a great way to get your family to enjoy more vegetables. The delicious vegetables are drizzled with basil oil and complement so many dishes.
38. Moroccan Eggplant Salad
Protein : 9 g Calories : 391kcal Ready in : 40 minutes Recipe by : YumVeganLunchIdeas Bonus : smokey, vegan
This moroccan eggplant salad is the perfect summer BBQ salad recipe (try these other veggie bbq recipes for more inspo!). With delicate Moroccan spices, a smokey BBQ flavour, roasted chickpeas, fresh rocket leaf salad and a zesty dressing – this is a must try. BBQ eggplant is creamy and flavorsome.
Veggie Eggplant Snacks and Appetisers
39. Vegetarian Pigs in Blankets
Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp Bonus: easy, mega delicious, nutritious and versatile dish
The vegetarian Christmas dilemma is solved with these amazing sides – Christmas feasts are better and more vegetarian than ever!
40. Roasted Eggplant and Garlic Soup
Protein : 13 g Calories : 550kcal Ready in : 2 hours Recipe by : ThisWifeCooks Bonus : creamy, garlicky
This company-worthy soup is elegant, rich with flavor and completely indulgent!
41. Roasted Eggplant Dip (No Tahini!)
Protein : 1g Calories : 172kcal Ready in: 50 minutes Recipe by: TheSassyFoodie Bonus: tasty, creamy, and so versatile dip
Roasted eggplant dip, or baba ganoush, has always been a favourite of mine. It’s a blend of creamy, smokey, deliciousness. What’s not to love?
42. Crispy Oven Baked Eggplant Fries
Protein : negligible Calories : 252kcal Ready in: 30 minutes Recipe by: BiteSizedKitchen Bonus: easy, healthy and so yummy
Turn french fries into a healthy appetizer with these Crispy Oven Baked Eggplant Fries (why not serve with one of these easy dip recipes ?)! They’re baked in the oven until crispy on the outside and tender inside. Serve with your favorite marinara sauce at your next party!
43. Roasted Eggplant with Tahini
Protein : 6g Calories : 357kcal Ready in: 45 minutes Recipe by: CarolinesCooking Bonus: so simple but delicious and flavorful
Easy to make, comforting and delicious, this roasted eggplant with tahini is perfect as an appetizer or part of a mezze.
44. Baigan Choka
Protein : 5g Calories : 266kcal Ready in: 30 minutes Recipe by: ThatGirlCooksHealthy Bonus: quick, easy, authentic and healthy dip
This delicious eggplant dip called Baigan Choka can be made on the stovetop or oven and tastes equally as good.
45. Roasted Eggplant Red Pepper Dip
Protein : 1g Calories : 86kcal Ready in: 50 minutes Recipe by: ItSavegWorldAfterAll Bonus: easy to make, creamy, healthy and versatile
A simple and easy dip recipe with roasted eggplant, roasted red pepper, roasted garlic.
46. Georgian Eggplant Walnuts Rolls
Protein : 1g Calories : 46kcal Ready in : 50 minutes Recipe by : HappyKitchenRocks Bonus : beautiful, vegan
These Georgian Eggplant Rolls With Walnut Filling are a delightfully simply, healthy vegan appetizer. Three ingredients, some artfully chosen spices, and less than an hour of time and you have a vegan treat for the tastebuds with these walnut stuffed eggplant rolls.
47. Grilled Eggplant Rollatini
Protein : 16g Calories : 316kcal Ready in: 30 minutes Recipe by: CulinaryGinger Bonus: quick, easy, healthy, so delicious
The eggplant is grilled instead of breaded and fried. It is then rolled up with homemade ricotta, fresh basil, Parmesan, fresh lemon and a hint of nutmeg. These eggplant rollatini make great appetizers or an entreé served with your favorite tomato sauce.
48. Eggplant with Goat Cheese
Protein : 5g Calories : 83kcal Ready in: 40 minutes Recipe by: Cooktoria Bonus: so delicious, easy and soft appetizer
Tender baked eggplant stuffed with creamy goat cheese, juicy tomato and basil.
49. Eggplant Fritters
Protein : 6g Calories : 158kcal Ready in : 40 minutes Recipe by : Th e GreekFoodie Bonus : crispy, crunchy and delicious
Have you tried eggplant fritters – melitzanokeftedes? They are so easy to make and have a divine flavor! These eggplant fritters will have everyone begging you for the recipe.
50. Baba Ganoush
Bonus : smoky, soft and beautifully delicious dip 🙂
Baba Ganoush – (Eggplant Dip / Aubergine Dip) Flatbreads and pitas go perfectly with this beautiful fusion of Arab-Mediterranean cuisines. Make it right away!
Ingredients
- 3 small eggplants (3 small eggplants = 600-700g in total)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp tahini (or sesame paste is fine too)
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (plus a splash when serving the dish)
- 1 tsp paprika powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional
- 1 handful pomegranate seeds
- 1 tbsp cilantro/coriander, fresh
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 180ºc.
- Put the eggplants on a oven tray with a splash of olive oil and some salt .
- Using a fork, poke a couple of holes in them.
- Add the garlic cloves as well. No need to peel them.
- Roast until tender ( 25-30 minutes).
- Let the eggplants cool for a while, then slice them open and carve out the “flesh”.
- With a beater or food processor mix the eggplant flesh with the rest of ingredients (juice the lemon and peel the garlic too before you throw it in) .
- Serve in a bowl with some paprika and a splash of olive oil for garnish. You can eat as a dip with pitas, flatbread or nachos or as a side dish of main course.
Optional
- Stir in pomegranate seeds and cilantro to give this lovely Baba Ganoush an extra freshness kick.
Nutrition
How many calories in an eggplant?
1 cup of cubed eggplant contains 20 calories.
Why do you soak eggplant in water before cookings?
Soaking the eggplant in salty water before cooking helps to reduce bitterness and stop it absorbing oil.
Salting it and leaving it to dry out on kitchen roll has a similiar effect. It also helps it to keep its shape and improves the texture when cooked.
Nowadays, eggplants have had a lot of the bitterness bred out of them, so salting and/or soaking is less important for that purpose, more for the sake of oil absorption and texture.
Is eggplant good for vegetarians?
Yes! They are low fat, high fibre and contain lots of heart healthy antioxidants. What’s more they are versatile and can be used in many different vegetarian recipes.
What is the healthiest way to eat eggplant?
Baked is always the healthiest way! Eggplants usually need to be prepared using some kind of oil, so be sure to use a healthy oil like olive oil. Roasted/ baked aubergine is truly delicious!
What does eggplant pair well with?
Goats cheese, parmesan, tomato, fresh herbs, garlic, olives. And some more intriguing flavours such as chocolate , cinnamon and nutmeg , and artichoke !
