These raw eggplant recipes will make this humble veggie a household staple!
From classic eggplant parm to grilled eggplant skewers and everything in between, you’ll want to try them all.
Eggplant is typically a rather bland vegetable.
But when prepared right, it can be a delicious addition to soups, salads, and other dishes.
And these raw eggplant recipes are sure to delight.
If you’re looking for something light and refreshing for lunch or dinner, try the raw eggplant salad with lemon and feta.
Or try the grilled eggplant tacos for a tasty meal loaded with protein.
Whether you eat them raw or cooked, these 12 best raw eggplant recipes will definitely satisfy your inner vegetable lover.
1. Eggplant Parmesan
Eggplant parmesan is a classic Italian dish that combines tender eggplant, cheese, and marinara sauce.
This recipe is a straightforward way to make this comforting dish.
All you need are eggs, flour, salt, pepper, olive oil, garlic powder, parsley flakes, and parmesan cheese.
The cook time will vary depending on your oven settings but you’ll have it ready in just under an hour.
2. Eggplant Curry
If you love curry as much as I do, then you’ll love this eggplant curry recipe.
It’s packed with a combination of spices and seasonings.
It has a warm, spicy taste that will leave you wanting more.
The tender eggplants are cooked in coconut milk and other fragrant ingredients before being tossed in a rich tomato sauce.
This dish is the perfect way to warm up on a cold night.
3. Eggplant Rollatini
Eggplant rolls are a classic Italian dish that’s often served as an appetizer.
This is a vegetarian version that uses eggplant instead.
There’s no need to wait for a holiday spread but still want to satisfy your appetite.
The combination of cheese, tomato sauce, and eggplant lends itself perfectly to the flavor profile.
I like to serve this with garlic bread and a salad for the perfect meal.
4. Roasted Eggplant Salad with Lemon and Feta
This roasted eggplant salad is the perfect way to bring veggies into your meal.
With a mix of vegetables and feta, it’s a hearty dish loaded with protein.
The roasted eggplant gives this salad a crunchy texture that you can’t get from any other ingredient. It also adds an incredible layer of flavor.
For dressing, you’ll want lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic.
Don’t forget the salt and pepper!
5. Eggplant Soup
Eggplant soup is served in many different ways.
Some people like it with rice, some like it with noodles, and others prefer to have it with a side of bread.
For the most part, though, it’s served as a hearty soup that’ll make you feel warm and fed while you eat.
This version is one of those dishes where the eggplant adds so much flavor to the mix.
It tastes almost identical to regular ethnic soup, but this particular recipe has a drier consistency that makes it perfect for cooling down on a hot day.
6. Eggplant Parmesan with Fresh Herbs
This is a simple dish that—while not quite to the level of something like marinara or buffalo chicken—is tremendous.
It’s packed full of flavor, and every bite is filling, light, and flavorful.
Use a good quality olive oil for your sauce.
It will help keep those veggies from getting too dried out.
I love broccoli slaw for this. It adds a really nice crunch to the whole thing, but you can also add some bell peppers or onions if you want something more colorful.
7. Eggplant Stuffed with Cheese and Herbs
Eggplant stuffed with cheese and herbs is an excellent choice for those who enjoy Italian dishes.
It’s well-seasoned and hearty, yet it doesn’t feel too heavy.
Thus, you can easily indulge in it as a regular meal.
The combination of eggplant, cheeses, and herbs gives this dish a delightful taste.
The whole family will love how entree-level healthy the dish is.
8. Roasted Eggplant Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
I’m such a sucker for eggplant.
It has just the right amount of sweetness and a unique texture that I can really enjoy.
This roasted eggplant salad is one that I would eat with a spoon, but it also pairs well with other classic Italian vinaigrettes like oil and balsamic vinegar.
For an even bigger flavor hit, add in some shaved parmesan cheese to every bite!
9. Eggplant Pizza
Just looking at this pizza makes me want to try it!
This eggplant pizza is packed with veggies and cheese.
The crust is a little thin, and the cheese gives it an earthy flavor that complements all the other ingredients.
This recipe uses mozzarella, but you could use ricotta or cheddar if you prefer.
10. Grilled Eggplant Skewers with Teriyaki Sauce
There’s nothing quite like the smell of grilled eggplant.
I love these little suckers because they scream meat, and once you take that first bite, things will never be the same.
This recipe is no exception, but you can use whatever marinade you prefer.
Try to find a few different flavors so that you get something tasty with every bite.
11. Grilled Eggplant Skewers with Spicy Peanut Sauce
Eggplant skewers are a fantastic way to use up leftover eggplant.
They’re also a great way to make sure you get the most out of your veggies.
This recipe calls for store-bought pizza sauce, which is lighter and adds just the right amount of heat.
If you want something more Mediterranean, try serving this with crunchy pita bread and plenty of zucchini slices.
12. Grilled Eggplant Tacos
Don’t you just love the mild, sweet, and savory taste of grilled eggplant?
It’s one of those things that makes me feel happy!
These tacos are so good that they will make you feel special.
The zucchini and corn add a nice crunch to the tacos.
Add some cilantro for a pop of freshness, and serve them with rice for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 globe eggplant
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ¼ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
- ¾ cup baby bella mushrooms
- 8 tablespoons pizza sauce
- Crushed red pepper
- Fresh basil
Instructions
- The eggplant rounds should be put on a baking pan. Slices should be liberally salted, allowed to “sweat” for 20 minutes, then dried with paper towels.
- Set the oven to 400 °F. Slices are brushed with 2 teaspoons of oil and pepper. Bake for 30 minutes, or until softened and barely golden brown.
- In the meantime, spread the mushrooms out on a sheet pan and drizzle with the final 2 tablespoons of oil. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring once, until golden brown. Season with salt and pepper.
- After removing the eggplant slices from the oven, top each with roughly 2 teaspoons of the sauce mixture. Each eggplant slice should have mozzarella and parmesan sprinkled on top, followed by roasted mushrooms.
- Once more, bake for 5 more minutes, or until cheese is melted. Crushed red peppers for garnish
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My blog is all about creating delicious meals with ingredients that are easy to find in your local grocery store. I’m passionate about making yummy meals that I can share with my friends and family.