Eggplant has always been one of my favorite vegetables to cook with. It’s so versatile and adds such a rich texture to any dish. It’s neutral flavor compliments not only middle eastern dishes, but it serves as a secret creamy ingredient once blended. These vegan eggplant recipes I’ve compiled below are sure to wow anyone that tastes them. I’ve personally tested these vegan eggplant recipes and love them because they’re all packed with flavor.
1. Couscous Stuffed Eggplant with Lemon Tahini Sauce | by: Vibrant Plate
I really enjoyed this recipe from Vibrant Plate! The combination of the baked eggplant with the couscous and tahini is paired perfectly with the tangy lemon. This dish reminded me of some Israeli dishes I’ve had and is perfect as a light spring or summer meal.
2. Smokey Roasted Eggplant Hummus | by: Vanilla and Bean
One of my favorite flavor combinations is chickpeas and roasted eggplant. This vegan eggplant hummus recipe from Vanilla and Bean won’t disappoint. With this recipe, the rich smoky flavor comes from roasting the eggplant first in the oven as well as the addition of the smoked paprika. I highly recommend incorporating the extra step mentioned in the recipe and adding in some baking soda to get it to a creamy whipped consistency. I always make hummus in my Vitamix to make sure everything is perfectly blended.
3. Imam Bayildi (Turkish Eggplant Casarole) | by: Feed Me Phoebe
As a Turkish person, I was skeptical when trying this recipe out because it’s not quite like the traditional Imam Bayildi that my grandma makes. Oh, wow – this was so good! The addition of the cinnamon was a lovely surprise and rounded out the flavors of the eggplant and tomatoes nicely. Traditionally, Imam Bayildi can be eaten either hot or cold (as an appetizer). I love having Imam Bayildi with a side of Turkish bulgur rice to add in some protein and iron.
4. Baba Ganoush (Vegan Eggplant Dip) | by: The Endless Meal
Baba Ganoush is one of those staple vegan eggplant recipes everyone needs to try once. It may seem intimating to make this at home, but it couldn’t be easier. I really loved this recipe from The Endless Meal because the ingredients are so simple. Just like with hummus, I recommend blending this in a high powered blender like a Vitamix.
5. Vegan Eggplant Zucchini Red Curry | by: Lavender and Macaroons
When I came across this vegan eggplant recipe, I knew I had to try it. There is nothing I love more on a breezy night than some type of red curry stew. This Eggplant Zucchini Red Curry from Lavender and Macaroons has become a staple in my home. It couldn’t be easier to make and it only takes 30 minutes to prepare. I served this over rice, but I think it would also be great over pasta per the suggestions from the recipe creator. If you try this recipe, be sure to check out my quick tip on How to Press Tofu. The recipe doesn’t call for the tofu to be pressed, but I would recommend taking this step so it can absorb all of the yummy red curry goodness.
6. Healthy Air Fryer Eggplant | by: This Healthy Kitchen
I can’t be the only one who is obsessed with using my Air Fryer. When I came across this recipe, I was so excited to have an excuse to use my favorite kitchen appliance. This eggplant recipe is so tasty! Definitely make sure you don’t skip the initial step where you salt the eggplant. It’ll draw out any of the weird bitterness that eggplant can have if it’s not prepared properly. This is such a simple and tasty recipe. I recommend also trying their Sriracha Mayo recipe included in the recipe as a dipping sauce.
7. Vegan Eggplant Parmesan Sub Sandwiches | by: Eat Figs, Not Pigs
Who needs basic vegan eggplant parmesan when you can can put it between bread and eat it as a sandwich? This recipe from Eat Figs, Not Pigs, really hits the spot. I made this recipe originally because I had some leftover Rao’s Marinara Sauce to use up, and I loved it so much, that the next time I tried the marinara sauce from the recipe. Holy moly this recipe is delicious!
8. Braised Harissa Eggplant with Chickpeas | by: The First Mess
The combination of the eggplant and chickpeas with the Harissa seasonings makes this dish a showstopper. The spices, mixed with the tanginess of the tomato sauce creates an explosion of flavors in your mouth. I highly recommend trying this recipe and serving it over rice or bulgur.
9. Roasted Eggplant Pasta | by: A Simple Palate
This recipe is so simple yet so great. Sometimes I get in a rut where I keep making the same easy meals every night for dinner. This recipe from A Simple Palate really inspired me. It came together in less than 30 minutes and is the perfect way to use up any leftover tomato sauce you have. My only recommendation would be to salt the eggplant for 20 minutes before cooking in order to remove any of the eggplant bitterness.
10. Vegan Eggplant Chocolate Cake | by: Okonomi Kitchen
I know what you’re thinking. Eggplant as dessert? YES! Everyone needs to try this recipe. The eggplant in this recipe adds a fudgy creaminess to the cake without adding any “off” flavors. This recipe from Okonomi Kitchen is a great way to sneak in some veggies into something super rich and decadent. I made this recipe for my family and they were all shocked that there was eggplant inside.
Summary
Be sure to check out these delicious vegan eggplant recipes that won’t disappoint. Eggplant is not only packed with nutrients and fiber, but when prepared properly, it adds a texture and flavor profile unlike any other vegetable.
