These Mediterranean Eggplant recipes are packed with flavor and are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, these recipes won't disappoint.
I love the summer garden season because gardens are always bursting with beautiful, ripe, large eggplants. There are also so many great seasonal recipes to make with them.
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Why You'll Love These Eggplant Recipes
- No matter if you prefer Japanese eggplant or globe eggplant, there is something on the list for everyone.
- One of my favorite things about Mediterranean food is that fresh vegetables such as eggplant, red onions, and peppers are always the star of the show.
- With eggplant being front and center in all of these recipes, you can rest assured that the eggplant lovers in your house will enjoy them all!
Eggplant is full of nutrients and has a unique texture and flavor that lends itself well to many different dishes. Plus, these recipes are all easy to make and perfect for a summer dinner or meal prep option.
How to Choose A Ripe Eggplant
When it comes to choosing a ripe eggplant, you want to look for one with firm eggplant skin that is free of blemishes or soft spots. This will ensure that you get a ripe and ready-to-eat eggplant without any bad spots.
If you are wondering how to store your large eggplant to keep it fresh, I've got some great tips to help you reduce waste and get the most bang for your money with this How to Store Eggplants post.
Now let's dive into some yummy stuff.
Dips and Appetizers
From creamy and savory dips to a fresh appetizer there is a Mediterranean eggplant recipe in this list for everyone.
Melitzanosalata is a Greek eggplant dip that is made with red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, fresh parsley, and kalamata olives for a tangy dip that will have your family asking for seconds.
Baba Ghanoush or Baba Ganoush is a Middle Eastern dip made from roasted eggplant, tahini sauce, lemon juice, and garlic. It has a creamy texture and is typically served with pita bread, pita chips, or vegetables.
Eggplant Caponata is a flavorful blend of smoky eggplant and tomato relish that has a tangy-sweet flavor. It is often served as an appetizer or side dish.
Moutabal is a simple Mediterranean eggplant dip that combines the flavors of eggplant, yogurt, tahini, and Mediterranean spices for a simple appetizer that's the perfect dish for all your gatherings.
Side Dishes and Salads
I have to say that my favorite way to make eggplant is in a salad or tasty side dish. Not only is the best way to show the flavor of the eggplant but it's also a great way to sneak some vegetables in for picky eaters.
This Oven Roasted Eggplant Slices recipe is one of my favorite eggplant side dish recipes to make when I want something healthy, flavorful, and filling.
This Eggplant Side Dish is made with pan-seared eggplant slices, and topped with green bell pepper, tomatoes, and flavorful seasonings. It's so delicious your kids won't complain about eating eggplant.
Easy Eggplant Salad is full of fresh vegetables, and green onion, and coated in lime juice for a fresh and healthy salad. This is one of my favorite seasonal recipe ideas to make during summer when eggplant is abundant.
Mediterranean Eggplant Salad is made with fresh vegetables and coated in a yogurt tahini dressing that's perfect for a light lunch or side dish.
Middle Eastern Twice-Baked Baby Eggplants is a wonderful recipe that is full of amazing flavor. Not only is it perfect as a side dish but it always makes a great appetizer as well.
Grilled Eggplant is a simple side dish that not only is full of Mediterranean flavor. But it also pairs well with your favorite grill night proteins.
Sauteed Eggplant Cubes are a simple and quick side dish to make for your family. Not only is it packed with tender eggplant. But it also has a touch of spice from the red pepper flakes. What more could you ask for?
Main Entrees
There are so many different ways to make a main dish with eggplant. These are just a few of my favorite recipes to add to our meal plan. And, I hope that you enjoy them also.
Maqluba is made with golden brown fried eggplant, ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and a 7 spice blend. That makes this a filling and hearty meal that is always a crowd favorite.
The traditional Greek lasagna, Moussaka, is a delicious mix of flavors and textures. This meal is both stunning and comforting, with layers of tasty seasoned ground beef topped with creamy béchamel sauce and melt-in-your-mouth slices of eggplant. Moussaka, with its toasted golden brown top, is a filling and robust dish that is ideal to enjoy with friends and family.
These Grilled Halloumi Kebabs are a delicious savory blend of sausage and eggplant to make a filling meal that your whole family will love.
Eggplant Boats are stuffed with a delicious mix of ground beef and melty cheese for a hearty and flavorful meal. These roasted eggplant halves are crowd-pleasing edible bowls perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
This Eggplant and Butternut Squash recipe is an easy Italian meal that is full of tender eggplant, flavor with minimal effort. It's a meal the whole family will enjoy.
Vegan Eggplant Meatballs are a meatless option that will leave you feeling satisfied. Your family won't even be able to tell that they are eggplant meatballs.
This Italian Baked Eggplant is a lighter version of eggplant parmesan - it’s baked without any breading, making it a gluten-free dish!
No matter which of these great ideas you choose to make for your family. I know that you will love the smoky flavor and fresh vegetables from these simple recipes. If you try one of these recipes, I would love you to leave me a comment below and let me know what you think.
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Egyptian Pickled Eggplants
Ingredients
- 1 pound Eggplants
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar
- Juice of one lime
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 jalapeno
- ½ red bell pepper
- ¼ cup parsley chopped
Instructions
- Cut a slit through each eggplant but do not cut all the way through.
- Brush eggplants with two tablespoons of oil and oven bake on 400F for 20 minutes turning them halfway through to the other side. Alternatively, you can air fry, pan-fry, or boil.
- Add garlic, vinegar, salt, remaining oil, jalapeno, and bell pepper to a mini food processor and process.
- Place eggplants in an airtight container, and stuff each one with part of the mixture.
- Pour any remaining pickling mixture over and drizzle everything lightly with olive oil.
- Put the lid on and refrigerate for a couple of days until pickled all the way through.
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