The eggplant finally gets the spotlight in these recipes, but what can you cook that’s hearty and satisfying?
Watch: Colin makes his smoky eggplant pasta
Eggplant is often seen as a controversial vegie; it’s either loved or hated. These recipes hero the eggplant as the main vegetable and we promise that even the most avid hater of the aubergine will soon find it irresistible in their dinner!
The best eggplant recipes for a hearty, wholesome dinner
Mediterranean lamb in baked eggplant
The secret to the success of this Middle Eastern favourite is in the slow-cooking. It’s worth the wait!
Roasted cauliflower salad with eggplant smash
This salad has got everything you’d want with pops of vibrant colour and flavour with that all-important crunch. And you’ve never tasted roasted cauliflower in a salad as mouth-watering as this, thanks to Middle Eastern flair.
Spinach, ricotta and eggplant cannelloni
Cannelloni is the quintessential heart-warming dish; it’s got cheese, pasta and of course, beautiful vegetables to keep you satisfied for longer!
Spicy eggplant and tomato stew
Cook up a little Middle Eastern magic with this hearty vegie stew even meat lovers can sink their teeth into. Flavoured with chilli, ginger and Baharat seasoning, serve this aromatic dish with pita bread for scooping!
Smoky eggplant pasta
Get grilling and transform eggplant into the star of this delish pasta. Good-for-you greens and herbs make this vego delight an easy, hearty midweek dinner option!
Grilled eggplant and zucchini lasagne
The layers of pasta, herbs, cheese and vegetables in this lasagne take on a smoky depth of flavour thanks to a quick grill.
Penne with eggplant, tomato, balsamic and ricotta
Quick and easy, this eggplant and tomato pasta with its hit of sweet and sour balsamic will be popular with vegetarians, and everyone else too!
Moroccan eggplant and tomato salad
With fresh spicy flavours, rich and charred vegetables and the perfect light and zesty bread to finish, this may not look like a salad you’re used to, but it will hit the spot.
Barbecued bonito with grilled eggplant and sauce vierge
This oily tuna fish is complemented with a sharp French vierge sauce of verjuice (a sour grape juice) and eggplant ties the whole dish together!
Mousakka-stuffed eggplants
This delish take on a Greek fave, moussaka – a traditional eggplant and mince dish – makes the most of the eggplant.
Spiced lamb and eggplant spiral pie
You’ll find it impossible to resist dipping pieces of this oh-so-flaky pastry into yoghurt in this Middle Eastern-inspired delight.
Lentil and eggplant ragu
Left to cook for just over six hours, this pasta sauce is easy to make. Just fry the veg then throw it all in your slow cooker to bubble away.
What pairs well with eggplant?
Eggplant is a great base for many spices and flavours, including in Middle-Eastern, African and Mediterranean dishes. As for basics that pair well with eggplant, most pasta and lentils are a great way to hero its beautifully soft texture.
What part of eggplant can’t you eat?
You cannot eat the leaves or the flowers of this vegetable. This is because eggplant is part of the nightshade family of plants, meaning that the foliage and blooms can be poisonous to ingest.
Do I refrigerate eggplant?
Eggplant does not do well in hot or humid conditions. If you are not refrigerating your eggplant, it is important to consume it within 1-2 days. For refrigeration, eggplant can last much longer for dinners throughout the week.
Can I freeze eggplant?
You can easily freeze eggplant to use at a later date. The most simple way to do this is by slicing the eggplant raw and popping it into a freezer bag. It will last up to 3 months this way.
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