Whether you bake it, fry it, grill it, or roast it, eggplant is one of our favorite summer fruits (you read that right: eggplant is actually a fruit!). There are countless ways to enjoy this superstar of summer, and when it’s ripe and in season, we’re eager to enjoy them all. Here are some of our favorite ways to cook it up.
Greek-Style Braised Eggplant
When cooked low and slow, eggplant becomes meltingly tender and creamy. In this recipe from The Mediterranean Dish, the eggplant is cooked with tomatoes and chickpeas for a delicious summertime stew. Serve it with warmed naan or pita bread, a dollop of Greek yogurt and a flourish of fresh herbs for a healthy, yet hearty dinner.
Eggplant, Feta, and Lemon Tart
Store-bought puff pastry makes this elegant Mediterranean-inspired tart from Real Simple quick and effortless. We love how the thinly sliced eggplant melts into the feta cheese and the sliced lemon adds a touch of punchy acidity. Za’atar, a classic Middle Eastern spice blend of sumac, sesame seeds, and other herbs like oregano and thyme, is what really makes this pastry stand out. Look for it in your grocery store’s spice aisle.
Eggplant Parm Boats
Our in-house test kitchen took the cozy classic eggplant parm and gave it a summery spin. Instead of the traditional breading and frying technique, we’ve lightened it up with a few new techniques.
Grilled Eggplant Baba Ganoush
If you’ve never had baba ganoush, think of it like hummus’s charred eggplant cousin. When you char eggplant all over on the grill—or in the oven—the flesh becomes creamy and sweet. In this recipe from Platings + Pairings, they walk us through how to scoop and blend it into a smooth and satisfying Mediterranean dip.
Baked Pasta alla Norma
Why twirl pasta with a fork when you can slice it like a pie as Bon Appétit does? This wholesome and hearty main combines eggplant, blistered tomatoes, and lots of cheese into a packable feast that’s equally delicious served hot as it is at room temperature.
Eggplant and Chile Garlic Pork Stir Fry
Japanese eggplant is longer and thinner than the more common Globe variety, making it perfect for stir-frying! The eggplant absorbs so much of the flavor from the spicy garlicky sauce in this recipe from Food & Wine, that this easy and quick dinner is ready in just 30 minutes!
Grilled Fattoush with Za’atar Eggplant
Fattoush is a Middle Eastern salad made with toasted pieces of pita or flatbread, vegetables, greens and a tangy dressing. This grilled version from Food.com is a perfect summery main thanks to the addition of grilled eggplant, though we’ve also been known to pile it high with grilled chicken or flank steak.
Leave a Reply