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You can make a surprising number of delicious dishes with aubergine, from creamy dips to hearty mains.
This glossy purple vegetable, also known as eggplant, is incredibly versatile and soaks up flavors like a dream.
If you’ve ever stared at an aubergine in your fridge and wondered what to make with aubergine, you’re in the right place.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the best things you can make with aubergine, plus a few tips to get it perfectly tender every time.
So let’s dive into the wonderful world of aubergine recipes.
What Can You Make with Aubergine?
You can make just about anything with aubergine, and that’s the beauty of this humble ingredient.
It works as a main, a side, a dip, or even a meat substitute in many dishes.
The key is to know how to cook it so it turns silky and rich instead of spongy or bitter.
Here are some of the most popular things you can make with aubergine.
1. Baba Ganoush
Baba ganoush is a smoky Middle Eastern dip made primarily from roasted aubergine.
You roast the aubergine until the skin is charred and the inside is soft, then scoop out the flesh.
Mash it with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil, and you’ve got a creamy dip that’s perfect with pita.
It’s one of the simplest ways to make something spectacular with aubergine.
2. Ratatouille
Ratatouille is a classic French Provençal dish that features aubergine front and center.
You cook it with tomatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and herbs like thyme and basil.
The aubergine becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender and absorbs all those lovely flavors.
It’s a great way to make a hearty, healthy meal with aubergine that even veggie skeptics will enjoy.
3. Moussaka
Moussaka is a Greek comfort food that layers aubergine with spiced meat and a creamy béchamel sauce.
You slice the aubergine, roast or fry it, then layer it with a rich lamb or beef filling.
The whole thing gets topped with béchamel and baked until golden and bubbling.
If you want to make a show-stopping dinner with aubergine, moussaka is a fantastic choice.
More Delicious Ideas for What to Make with Aubergine
Beyond the classics, there are so many other ways to cook with aubergine.
Let’s look at a few more ideas that will inspire you to get creative.
1. Grilled Aubergine Slices
Grilling aubergine is one of the easiest ways to enjoy it.
Just slice it, brush with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill until tender.
You can serve it as a side, stack it in a sandwich, or add it to salads.
It’s a wonderful way to make a simple, smoky dish with aubergine.
2. Aubergine Curry
Aubergine curry is a staple in many Indian and Thai kitchens.
The aubergine soaks up coconut milk, spices, and aromatics like garlic and ginger.
It becomes rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful.
If you’re wondering what to make with aubergine that’s packed with spice, a curry is a brilliant option.
3. Stuffed Aubergine
Stuffed aubergine is a versatile dish you can customize to your taste.
You halve the aubergine, scoop out the flesh, and mix it with rice, quinoa, or ground meat.
Then you stuff it back in, top with cheese, and bake until golden.
It’s a satisfying way to make a complete meal with aubergine.
4. Aubergine Parmesan
Aubergine parmesan is like eggplant parmigiana, and it’s absolutely delicious.
You layer breaded and fried aubergine slices with marinara sauce and plenty of mozzarella and parmesan.
Bake it until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
This is comfort food at its finest, and it’s a great way to make a crowd-pleasing dish with aubergine.
Tips for Cooking with Aubergine
No matter what you choose to make with aubergine, a few simple tips will help you get the best results.
First, salting the aubergine before cooking can help draw out moisture and reduce bitterness.
Second, aubergine acts like a sponge, so use a generous amount of oil when roasting or frying.
Third, cook it thoroughly; undercooked aubergine can be tough and unpleasant.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment, because aubergine pairs well with tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and spices.
So, What Can You Make with Aubergine?
You can make a wide variety of dishes with aubergine, from baba ganoush and ratatouille to curries and parmesan.
This versatile vegetable is a star in many cuisines because it absorbs flavors beautifully and has a lovely, silky texture when cooked right.
So whether you’re planning a cozy dinner or a hearty vegetarian feast, there’s no shortage of things to make with aubergine.
Grab one at the store, try a new recipe, and enjoy discovering just how many ways you can make something amazing with aubergine.