15 Fun Ways to Use Eggplant in Your Vegan Dishes

Eggplant, also known as aubergine, is a cousin of the tomato, pepper, and potato in that it is from the Solanaceae family. Eggplant range greatly in size, shape, and color, and though deep purple is the color most commonly associated with this fruit, they can come in white, red, black, yellow, and even green.

They are really nutritious, too, providing a good dose of manganese, potassium, vitamin K and C. They are also a great source of fiber and are super high in antioxidants.

While eggplant are really versatile, folks can become quite nervous about them having learned how they are bitter and laborious to work with. This simply doesn’t have to be the case at all.

Check out these OGP eggplant recipes that show just how easy it is to include eggplant into your dishes any night of the week.

We also highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App  — with over 20,000 delicious recipes it is the largest meatless, vegan, plant-based, and allergy-friendly recipe resource to help you get healthy! And, don’t forget to check out our Bean Archives!

1. Sticky Eggplant

Source: Sticky Eggplant

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly meat-free weeknight dinner or a winning recipe for a dinner party with friends, this super easy yet utterly delicious Asian-inspired vegan Sticky Eggplant by Tania Pilcher will tick all the boxes. It’s vegan and can be made gluten-free, too.

2. Cauliflower Rice Pesto Sandwich

Source: Cauliflower Rice Pesto Sandwich

This Cauliflower Rice Pesto Sandwich by Florian Nouh is a delightful cacophony of flavors that blend into the perfect bite. It is stuffed with fresh tomatoes, tender eggplant, tasty cauliflower rice, and pesto to tie everything together. It’s got everything you love between two slices of bread.

3. 15-Minute Harissa Eggplant Kebabs With Cucumber Mint Relish

Source: 15-Minute Harissa Eggplant Kebabs With Cucumber Mint Relish

These spicy, sweet, and satisfyingly 15-Minute Harissa Eggplant Kebabs With Cucumber Mint Relish by Modern Vegan Cookingare perfect for grilling! The harissa adds the perfect amount of heat that is quickly cooled down by the refreshing cucumber mint relish. Serve these kebabs in soft flatbreads with the tangy relish, jewel-like pomegranate seeds, and a generous drizzle of tahini.

4. Spicy Balsamic Baked Eggplant Chips

Source: Spicy Balsamic Baked Eggplant Chips

Looking for a healthier way to snack? These Spicy Balsamic Baked Eggplant Chips by Lenia & Dimitra will satisfy your craving for crunchy snacks without all the oil because they’re baked and not fried!

5. Basil Eggplant and Tofu

Source: Basil Eggplant and Tofu

This Basil Eggplant and Tofu by Molly Patrick pairs the versatile vegetable with tofu in a sweet and savory Asian-inspired sauce made from garlic, ginger, coconut sap, and soy sauce. Best of all, you won’t have to go from store to store to track down ingredients, as they’re readily available almost anywhere, during any season. Try serving it over rice for a filling dinner!

6. Eggplant and Bell Pepper Caponata

Source: Eggplant and Bell Pepper Caponata

Eggplant and Bell Pepper Caponata by Kristen Genton is a vegetable dish consisting of eggplant and bell peppers, is really easy to make considering that you have just to chop everything up, add it to the pot in steps, and let it cook. You get this creamy richness from the eggplant, slight sweetness from the peppers, salt from the capers, and a ton of freshness from all the herbs!

7. Egyptian Eggplant Moussaka

Source: Egyptian Eggplant Moussaka

Egyptian Moussaka is traditionally made with ground meat, so this recipe substitutes it with diced mushrooms. Hidden in the delicate eggplant layers are currants which add a touch of sweetness. You could also add some sliced toasted almonds to this Egyptian Eggplant Moussaka by Taavi Moore which would create a great crunch, pairing perfectly with the cooked soft veggies.

8. Raw Breaded Eggplant Meatballs With Marinara Sauce

Source: Raw Breaded Eggplant Meatballs With Marinara Sauce

If you’re trying to eat more raw foods but still need your pasta fix this recipe for Raw Breaded Eggplant Meatballs With Marinara Sauce by Lena Ropp is a must-try. Eggplants are blended with fresh basil and other ingredients, then coated in crunchy almond “breading,” and finally, dehydrated until they reach a meaty texture. These raw eggplant meatballs pair perfectly with the accompanying marinara sauce when served on a bed of zucchini noodles.

9. Eggplant Rollatini

Source: Eggplant Rollatini

In this recipe for Eggplant Rollatini by Maggie Wescott, eggplant is roasted and then stuffed with tofu ricotta and baked in red sauce for a hearty and decadent meal. Eggplant Rollatini is delicious!

10. Middle Eastern-Style Vegan Bake

Source: Middle Eastern-Style Vegan Bake

Middle Eastern, Greek, and Turkish flavors are merged to create this incredible Middle Eastern-Style Vegan Bake by Miriam Sorrell. This bake will be a hit among vegans and non-vegans alike.

11. Eggplant Hummus Wraps With Smoky Tomato Confit

Source: Eggplant Hummus Wraps With Smoky Tomato Confit

These Eggplant Hummus Wraps With Smoky Tomato Confit by Viktoria Radichkova are loaded with creamy hummus, roasted smoky tomatoes, and chopped Kalamata olives. These wraps taste amazing and are the perfect meal or appetizer! The slight smokiness of the tomatoes and the light garlic flavor go so well with the juicy charred eggplant flesh; you won’t miss the dough.

12. Grilled Eggplant Salad With Lentils and Sesame Yogurt

Source: Grilled Eggplant Salad With Lentils and Sesame Yogurt

This warm Grilled Eggplant Salad With Lentils and Sesame Yogurt by Judy Moosmueller doesn’t only bring rich, earthy colors to the plate but also warming and creamy textures. Coriander and pomegranate add a little bit of zestyness and are loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C.

13. Eggplant Crunchburger

Source: Eggplant Crunchburger

This Eggplant Crunchburger by Rhea Parsons is a vegan recreation of Bobby Flay’s signature burger, The Crunchburger. This is the “house” burger at Bobby’s Burger Palace. It’s a basic burger that can be garnished with lettuce, tomato, red onion, and horseradish mustard. Then comes the crunch – a big handful of potato chips. Bobby loves the combination of the juicy burger, the oozy cheese, and the salty, crispy chips all in one bite, and you’ll love this plant-based version, too.

14. Black Eggplant

Source: Black Eggplant

While this Black Eggplant by Katzie Guy-Hamilton does not appear clean like a bowl of dressed greens, it is the epitome of being just Clean Enough, with healthy fats, healing spices, robust vegetables, and gut-friendly fermented bacteria!

15. Indian Spiced Mushroom and Eggplant Curry

Source: Indian Spiced Mushroom and Eggplant Curry

Mushrooms and eggplant create a great start for a dish that is clean, creamy, and wonderfully satisfying. This Indian Spiced Mushroom and Eggplant Curry by Zuzana Fajkusova and Nikki Lefler is the perfect gateway meal to help those progressing from a meat-eating diet to a plant-based one.

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