114 italian eggplant recipes

Vegetarian eggplant Parmesan casserole layered with pan-fried eggplant slices, mozzarella, spaghetti sauce, and Parmesan. A simple weeknight version of the Italian classic using sauce mix for speed.

Grilled eggplant Parmesan sandwich layers smoky charred eggplant, fire-roasted tomato, wilted spinach, and melty mozzarella-Parm on toasted whole wheat. A vegetarian open-face take on the Italian classic.

Basil eggplant is a simple recipe, and this version substantially reduces the unnecessary oil that usually plagues eggplant dishes. The basil and chile pepper turn the basic eggplant into something exciting. Use either the long, thin Japanese eggplants or the big purple globe/Italian eggplants. We love this recipe – even without the chile peppers. And we always serve with Jasmine rice.

Grilled tempeh with red onion and eggplant on toasted whole wheat bread, marinated in red wine, rosemary, garlic, and fennel. A smoky, vegetarian open-faced grill plate with Italian roots.

Mediterranean lasagna layers tender pasta with eggplant in tomato sauce and a creamy mix of ricotta, feta, and yogurt. A vegetarian Greek-Italian fusion lasagna without ground meat or heavy bechamel.

Marinated eggplant in olive oil: salt-pressed, vinegar-soaked strips layered with garlic, oregano, and chile in extra-virgin oil. An Italian antipasto that gets better for months.

Rustic white bean and eggplant stew with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs. Slow-simmered, naturally vegan, and rich with Mediterranean flavor.

A whole chicken slow-baked with potatoes, eggplant, cauliflower, carrots, and tomatoes seasoned with dill. An Italian-inspired one-pot Sunday dinner for six.

Crawfish aubergine with crispy breaded eggplant topped by crawfish tails in a Parmesan cream sauce spiked with Tabasco. Where Cajun meets Italian on one glorious plate.

Polenta pie sets a rosemary corn polenta crust in a springform pan, then layers grilled squash, eggplant, and roasted peppers inside. A vegetarian Italian showpiece, served chilled.

Sicilian caponata with sauteed eggplant, olives, capers, and a sweet-tangy vinegar sauce. A rustic Italian appetizer or side that tastes even better the next day.

Sicilian-style caponata with tender eggplant, olives, capers, and tomatoes in a tangy vinegar sauce. Make it ahead and serve cold as a rustic Italian appetizer.

A layered Italian casserole of noodles, sautéed veal, red sauce, eggplant, Parmesan, and bubbly mozzarella. Think veal parm meets lasagna in a cozy dinner for two.

Milanese vegetable soup: a light northern Italian broth with diced eggplant, zucchini, celery, carrot, Swiss chard, and bacon, finished with fresh basil. Clean, clear, and summery.

Penne with Provencal eggplant, slow-caramelized sweet peppers, garlic, and fresh basil in a lemony Italian-herb dressing. A meatless pasta bowl built on long, gentle cooking.

Quick pita bread pizza topped with pan-fried eggplant, roasted red pepper, pepperoni, and spaghetti sauce. A Greek-meets-Italian snack or appetizer baked in just 5 minutes.