Must-try Vegan Eggplant Recipes

Eggplant/aubergine is such a versatile ingredient to have around. I show you how many different delicious vegan meals you can make from appetizer through lunch to dessert. If you haven’t been a fan of eggplant, because you only ever tasted badly roasted mushy yucky eggplant slices, after making any of these vegan eggplant recipes, you will be hooked. You will immediately become an eggplant lover, I am sure. 

What do you need to know about eggplants?

No idea what is eggplant also known as aubergine or what to do with it? Which type, size, and color you should choose? How to store them at home? How to prepare them for cooking, roasting, or grilling? Start with reading our complete guide to cooking with eggplants to get the basics. However, let me just share with you the 3 most important aspects of eggplants. 

3 most important features

There are THREE things you should know about eggplants before deciding on which recipe you will choose. 

• Eggplants are 90% water and have a spongy texture, so they can soak up juices pretty fast. It is a great characteristic because it can absorb the marinade well. However, it has a disadvantage as well, as it can also soak up too much oil. The solution is to salt them and extract the juices in advance. 
• They get brown very quickly after cutting. I find it not a problem at all as after roasting or frying they will get brown all over anyway. 
• You may debate whether to peel it or not to peel it as you were told that most of the bitterness is in the peel. However, eggplant holds its shape better with the peel on. I promise you if your sweat it with some salt and cook, grill, roast properly, there is no bitterness whatsoever. 

How to choose the perfect eggplant? 

• Shiny and spotless skin. No bruises and dents.
• Firm to the touch. You shouldn’t be able to dent it with your fingers. 
• Heavy, sturdy. The eggplant should have weight for it to be fresh. 
• Green stem. The dried brown stem is a dead giveaway that the eggplant has been on the shelves for probably too long. 

Do you need to salt eggplants? 

Yes and no. Always salt it when you slice, dice, or chop it. No need to salt it if you roast them in whole and make eggplant puree for spreads or meatballs or patties. You also don’t need to salt it if you roast it in half and stuff it. 

Must-try vegan eggplant recipes

You will see that eggplant is like a chameleon. It changes texture, shape, taste depending on what you want it to be. I often like to compare it to tofu in the sense that they both have a very neutral taste, but with the right seasoning, they became absolutely delicious. I show you below all vegan recipes you must try using eggplants. Are you ready? 

Vegan mains for dinner

I am sure you are most curious about vegan eggplant dinner recipes. So let’s start with entrees aka main course meals where eggplant is the star of the show. For good reason. Whether it is roasted, grilled, or baked, eggplant is an essential part of these dishes. Let’s see 10 mouth-watering vegan dinner recipes you will enjoy for sure. 

Rich Creamy Vegan Eggplant Parmesan

by My Pure Plants

We took the authentic Italian Eggplant Parmagiana recipe and turn it into an absolutely fantastic, rich, and creamy Vegan Eggplant Parmesan. Once you try it, you’ll make it again and again. 

Check out this recipe

Vegan Moussaka

by My Pure Plants

What do you need to make the BEST ever Vegan Moussaka? I would say layers of roasted eggplant slices, a hearty tomato-based mince ragú sauce, and a creamy white bechamel baked together. 

Check out this recipe

Eggplant Meatballs (Vegan & Gluten-free)

by My Pure Plants

Roasted eggplant has this amazing texture and fairly neutral flavor, so with proper seasoning they can be turned into many tasty things. You should try this 5-ingredient simple, healthy eggplant meatballs with marinara sauce.

Check out this recipe

30-min One-pot French Ratatouille

by My Pure Plants

The best French summer veggie stew that you can stir up in one pot within 30 minutes. It is a simple dish to eat an array of colorful summer vegetables like fresh tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, and bell pepper.

Check out this recipe

Dan Dan Eggplant Noodles by Rachael Hartley

This dish is a vegan take on the traditional Sichuan Chinese recipe where noodles and ground pork (crumbled tempeh in this case) are tossed with spicy chili oil and peanut sauce.

Check out this recipe

Mediterranean Eggplant Boats by Dishing Out Health

Baked eggplant halves stuffed with aromatic quinoa and topped with fresh Mediterranean tomato and bell pepper salsa.

Check out this recipe

Vegan Fesenjan with Eggplant by Little Sunny Kitchen

Beautiful Persian walnut and chickpea stew topped with crispy eggplant and fresh pomegranate seeds.

Check out this recipe

Eggplant and Caramelized Onion Pizza by My Darling Vegan

Roasted eggplant slices and caramelized onions are a unique and delicious way to spice up your pizza night.

Check out this recipe

Vegan Eggplant Curry by Short Girl Tall Order

This filling, comforting, and hearty curry is a delicious and nourishing dinner or lunch the next day. Little creamy, little spicy, and full of flavors.

Check out this recipe

Spicy Eggplant Stir-fry with Enoki Mushrooms by My Goodness Kitchen

Enoki mushrooms look like noodles in this easy and delicious stir fry dish. The sauce is aromatic and flavorful with lots of Asian ingredients.

Check out this recipe

Filling vegan lunches with eggplant

If you need a grab and go lunch, make one of these delicious recipes. Eggplant is a great addition to spice up and add a flavorful ingredient to your sandwich, wrap, or burger. The easiest way is to marinate the eggplant slices with your favorite spice mix and roast them. They are ready to be included in your lunch. But there are more ideas here, 6 filling vegan lunch recipes. Which one will you try first?  

Vegan Eggplant Reuben Sandwich by From My Bowl

Instead of using mocked corned beef, try this eggplant Reuben sandwich. It has all the classic ingredients like sauerkraut, Russian dressing, and cheese. All vegan, oil-free and gluten-free.

Check out this recipe

Vegan Sabich Sandwich by Yum Vegan Lunch Ideas

It is a vegan version of the popular Jewish street food, Sabich now with roasted eggplant and potato slices topped with a fresh Israeli salad and drizzled with amba sauce.

Check out this recipe

Vegan Eggplant Carnitas Taco by Rhian's Recipes

This taco recipe has flavorful, meaty, juicy eggplant strips in carnitas sauce that you can top with fresh veggie salsa, lettuce, sweet corn, avocado, and more...

Check out this recipe

Grilled Eggplant in Miso Glaze by V for Veggy

Anita calls it a super simple recipe that will knock your socks off. I can so imagine it in a packed sandwich with lots of fresh veggies around.

Check out this recipe

Curried Eggplant Lentil Quinoa Burger by Fat Free Vegan

Light curry-flavored eggplant and lentil burger patties with spicy onion-pepper relish is a perfect packed lunch that will give you a boost to finish your day strong.

Check out this recipe

Roasted Tomato, Zucchini, and Eggplant Soup by Occasionally Eggs

A vegan summer garden veggie soup with tomato, zucchini, eggplant, onion, and garlic. Everything’s roasted together in a sheet pan and blended into a smooth, creamy soup and topped with pesto.

Check out this recipe

Delicious salads turned into full meals

All good things start with roasting eggplant even so if we talk about salads. 

BBQ Moroccan Eggplant Salad by Yum Vegan Lunch Ideas

Roasted eggplant slices are seasoned with delicate Moroccan spices and a bit of smoky flavor same as chickpeas on a bed of rocket salad.

Check out this recipe

Asian Eggplant Salad by The Devil Wears Salad

Caramelized eggplant with tofu and asparagus is a match made in heaven especially drizzled with a creamy miso dressing.

Check out this recipe

Indian Roasted Eggplant and Lentil Bowl by Dishing Out Health

Fiber-rich, veggie-loaded salad bowl with a hint of Indian spices. This recipe has yummy roasted eggplant and onion, with meaty black lentils and fresh cucumber drizzled with cardamom yogurt

Check out this recipe

Persian Roasted Eggplant Salad by Veggie Desserts

Caramelized eggplant wedges with aromatic Persian quinoa and lentil salad on a freshly chopped kale bed drizzled with tahini dressing.

Check out this recipe

Stunning vegan eggplant appetizers

There are so many ways you can add a little bit of eggplant to your dinner party even if it will not be the star of the show. Or will it? These 4 stunning vegan appetizers might think you otherwise. Eggplant has the potential to steal the show. You’ll just wait and see for your self. 

Georgian Eggplant Rolls by Happy Kitchen Rocks

These rolls are simple and healthy appetizers, not to mention they are absolutely stunning. Roasted eggplant slices are stuffed with a ricotta-type walnut filling.

Check out this recipe

Sicilian Caponata Crostini by Veggie Desserts

A flavorful Italian eggplant stew that they usually serve it as an appetizer or first course. Aren't they look delicious as a crostini?

Check out this recipe

Grilled Baby Eggplant with Minted Yoghurt by The View From Great Island

It is a delicious and stunning Middle Eastern appetizer. You can pick up these grilled baby eggplants by the stem and serve it as unique finger food.

Check out this recipe

Vegan Rice Stuffed Dolmades By Strength & Sunshine

Rebecca made this Mediterranean classic vegan by stuffing aromatic basmati rice with fresh herbs, roasted eggplant, and olives into grape leaves.

Check out this recipe

Snack on eggplants

Let’s steal to show from nachos for a bit, shall we? Eggplants can be turned into crazy delicious dips you can snack on or fry them until crispy and kick out potato fries for a day or two. These 7 vegan snack recipes will be perfect for a quick bite to grab before dinner. 

Baba Ganoush by Downshiftology

No introduction is needed for Baba Ganoush. It is a must-try eggplant dip. Full stop. It is creamy, savory, and smoky. Perfect to dip fresh veggies or flatbread in it.

Check out this recipe

Smoky Roasted Eggplant Dip with Bell Pepper and Walnut

by My Pure Plants

A little bit of baba ganoush and a little bit of muhammara, but not quite. This is a rich, flavorful and delicious dip or spread. Especially yummy added to a vegan grilled cheese toast.

Check out this recipe

Smoky Eggplant Moutabal Dip by Alpha Foodie

This Persian Eggplant dip is ready in 15 minutes and you need only 5 ingredients. It starts with smoking eggplants on an open stove. How fun is that?

Check out this recipe

Mediterranean Eggplant Chips by Running To The Kitchen

Extra crispy and crunchy eggplant slices seasoned with Mediterranean spices are just perfect for snacking. Get a vegan yogurt dip to pair them with

Check out this recipe

Russian Eggplant Caviar

It is a crunchy eggplant spread with carrots, bell peppers and tomatoes that you can serve it on a piece of bread. It is a light and veggie-packed quick snack or appetizer.

Check out this recipe

Eggplant Fries by Attachment Mummy

Cut the eggplant to make them look like potato fries. Cover it with a pakora-like batter and fry them until crispy. There you have a delicious snack before dinner.

Check out this recipe

Mediterranean Eggplant Chutney

Eggplant is slow-cooked in spices and preservatives like sugar and vinegar that transforms it into a tangy jam-like spread that you can enjoy with a dosa (rice pancakes).

Check out this recipe

How about some dessert? 

Have you been thoroughly surprised by how many yummy dishes you can make with eggplant? I bet you haven’t expected to see dessert in this list. Well, there is an absolutely delicious vegan dessert that you can hide eggplant in. 

Vegan Chocolate Cake Made With Eggplants by Okonomi Kitchen

You might have heard of zucchini bread or black bean brownies, but I bet you are amazed by this decadent, rich, and moist chocolate cake with eggplant.

Check out this recipe

************

Is it hard to choose which one to try first right? Let us know in the comments which one became your favorite.