70 delicious eggplant recipes from around the world
A hearty and flavorful Egyptian eggplant bake, distinct from its Greek counterpart. This version features layers of fried eggplant and spiced ground meat in a rich tomato sauce, baked until tender and bubbly. It's a comforting home-style dish that doesn't use béchamel.
A popular Israeli street food sandwich, traditionally eaten on Yom Kippur. It features fried eggplant, hard-boiled eggs, tahini, amba (mango pickle sauce), and fresh herbs, all stuffed into a pita.
Fouti Lafidi is a popular and versatile Guinean dish, often described as a vegetable stew or sauce made primarily from eggplant and okra, seasoned with spices, and traditionally served with rice. It can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Tender baby eggplants are hollowed out and stuffed with a savory mixture of spiced ground lamb and rice, then simmered in a rich, tangy tomato sauce enhanced with pomegranate molasses. This dish offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
A classic Sicilian pasta dish featuring tender fried eggplant, a rich tomato and basil sauce, and salty ricotta salata. This recipe offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors.
A comforting and flavorful Egyptian casserole featuring layers of fried eggplant baked in a rich tomato and garlic sauce. This simple yet delicious dish is a staple of home cooking.
Sheikh el Mahshi is a beloved Palestinian dish featuring small eggplants hollowed out and stuffed with a flavorful mixture of spiced ground meat and rice, then baked in a rich tomato sauce. It's a comforting and hearty meal, often served as a main course.
Rummaniyeh is a hearty and flavorful vegetarian stew made with brown lentils, tender eggplant, and a tangy pomegranate molasses sauce. It's a staple in Palestinian cuisine, known for its unique sweet and sour profile.
A rich and flavorful stew featuring tender lamb and tender eggplant, simmered in a tomato-based sauce with aromatic spices. This dish is a comforting and hearty meal, often served with rice.
A vibrant and flavorful pickle or relish, Sri Lankan Eggplant Moju features tender fried eggplant slices coated in a sweet, sour, and spicy sauce. It's a popular condiment that adds a burst of flavor to any meal, often served with rice and curries.
Tender zucchini stuffed with a savory mixture of spiced ground lamb and rice, simmered in a tangy yogurt sauce. This dish is a beloved classic in Syrian cuisine, often served during special occasions and family gatherings.
Syrian smoky eggplant dip - fire-roasted eggplant blended with tahini and pomegranate molasses. This mutabbal offers a deeper, more intense smoky flavor than traditional baba ganoush.
A classic Turkish dish of eggplants stuffed with a savory mixture of onions, tomatoes, and garlic, then slow-braised in abundant olive oil until meltingly tender. The name, 'The Imam Fainted,' is said to refer to the dish's rich flavor, the amount of olive oil used, or perhaps its perceived expense.
A vibrant and smoky Thai salad featuring tender, charred grilled eggplant tossed in a zesty, spicy dressing with hard-boiled eggs and dried shrimp. It's a perfect balance of fresh, savory, and spicy flavors.
A quintessential Moroccan mezze, Zaalouk is a deeply flavorful and smoky salad made from tender eggplant and ripe tomatoes, slow-cooked with aromatic spices. It's perfect served at room temperature or chilled with crusty bread for dipping.
Tender eggplant halves filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, onions, and spices, baked until golden and delicious.
A rustic and flavorful Punjabi dish featuring smoky mashed eggplant, fire-roasted to perfection and blended with aromatic spices, onions, tomatoes, and chilies. The charring process imparts a signature smoky depth.
Tender ribbons of fried or baked eggplant are rolled around a creamy, savory filling of walnuts, garlic, and herbs, often brightened with pomegranate seeds. These make for an elegant appetizer or a light main course.
Tepsi Baytinijan is a beloved Iraqi casserole featuring layers of fried eggplant, potatoes, tomatoes, and onions, baked with flavorful meatballs in a tangy tomato sauce. It's a comforting and hearty dish, often served with rice.
A vibrant and simple vegetarian Thai stir-fry featuring tender long eggplant, fragrant basil, and a kick of chili. This dish is quick to prepare and bursting with authentic Thai flavors.
A classic Sichuan dish featuring tender, silky Chinese eggplants coated in a vibrant, complex sauce that balances spicy, sour, and sweet flavors. Despite its name, 'fish-fragrant' refers to a traditional flavor profile used in Sichuan cuisine, not the presence of fish.
An opulent Ottoman palace dish featuring tender, slow-cooked lamb stew served atop a luxuriously creamy and smoky eggplant purée. This 'Sultan's Delight' is a true taste of history.
A classic Egyptian mezze dip, this Baba Ghanouj features intensely smoky eggplant blended with creamy tahini, bright lemon juice, and pungent garlic. Perfect for scooping with warm pita bread.
A classic Gaziantep dish featuring a smoky, mashed eggplant and garlic yogurt base topped with succulent, spiced ground lamb and finished with a fragrant paprika-infused butter. This Southern Turkish specialty is a delightful blend of textures and flavors.
