Eggplant

Pasta 'ncasciata is a traditional pasta dish originating from Sicily. In order to prepare it, pasta such as penne or rigatoni is cooked in boiling water, then strained and mixed with a rich tomato sauce (in Palermo) or a beef ragu (in Messina), cu... READ MORE

Found throughout southern Italy, parmigiana di melanzane is a type of gratinated vegetable casserole traditionally made of fried or grilled slices of eggplant layered with basil-flavored tomato sauce and topped with one or more cheeses, such as mo... READ MORE

This version of eggplant parmigiana is the most popular outside of Italy. Hailing from Campania, this variation on a dish is made with eggplants, olive oil, onions, basil, tomatoes, mozzarella or fior di latte cheese, and grated Parmigiano-Reggian... READ MORE

Hünkar beğendi is a traditional dish consisting of a flavorful lamb stew that is served on top of a creamy roasted eggplant purée. The purée is often thickened with milk and cheese, while the whole dish is sometimes topped with ... READ MORE

Sinigang is a sour Filipino soup consisting of sampalok (fruits of the tamarind tree), water spinach, hot peppers, cabbage, broccoli, eggplant, diced tomatoes, sliced onions, ginger, garlic, green beans, fish sauce, and salt. The basic br... READ MORE

This traditional Chinese seasoning mix is said to have originated in Sichuan cuisine, which is known for spiciness and bold flavors, but has since spread to other regions as well. The word yuxiang also refers to the sauce in which the meat or vege... READ MORE

Mutabal is a Middle Eastern dip that's usually made with a combination of roasted eggplants, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, yogurt, olive oil, and salt. The ingredients are blended or mashed together until the dip develops a desired ... READ MORE

Alinazik is a Turkish kebab variety originating from Gaziantep. It consists of char-grilled and puréed eggplants that are combined with garlic yogurt sauce, then topped with chunks of meltingly sweet lamb. The meat is typically stewed with ... READ MORE

Kuzu şiş is a traditional type of kebab. This meat dish is made with chunks of lamb meat, mushrooms, green peppers, shallots, cherry tomatoes, and eggplants. The meat is usually marinated in a mixture of yogurt, olive oil, garlic, cumin, Turkish p... READ MORE

Tortang talong is a simple Filipino dish made with a combination of roasted eggplants and lightly beaten eggs. Whole eggplants are dipped into the egg mixture and are then shortly pan-fried until the entire dish starts to resemble a crispy omelet.... READ MORE

Chanakhi is a hearty Georgian stew made with lamb, eggplant, sweet peppers, and tomatoes. The stew is typically flavored and seasoned with coriander, basil, pepper, and salt. This flavorful dish is traditionally served in individual clay pots, cal... READ MORE

Baba ghanoush is a Middle Eastern dish that's mostly associated with Lebanon (although it's origins are also connected to Syria and Jordan), and it consists of roasted and puréed eggplants, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and tahini, with t... READ MORE

This Sicilian classic is traditionally made with tomato sauce, eggplants, ricotta salata cheese, and fresh basil. The dish is said to be named in honor of La Norma, the famous opera composed by Vincenzo Bellini in 1831. According to legen... READ MORE

A delicious combination of tempura and donburi - hence the name tendon - this classic Japanese one-bowl meal consists of battered and deep-fried seafood or vegetables laid over freshly steamed rice. The most popular ingredients for tendon include ... READ MORE

Karnıyarık is a classic Turkish dish consisting of eggplants that are stuffed with a combination of ground meat (usually beef), tomatoes, and onions. The filling is typically seasoned only with salt and pepper, but garlic and parsley can also be a... READ MORE

Badrijani is a heavily spiced Georgian dish consisting of eggplant slices that are coated with walnut paste, then shaped into small rolls. The eggplant slices are fried before serving, while the spread is prepared by combining ground walnuts, garl... READ MORE

Lasagne alla parmigiana is a traditional lasagna dish originating from Emilia-Romagna. The dish is essentially a blend of two Italian classics – lasagne pasta and eggplant parmigiana. Although there are many recipes, it's usually made with a... READ MORE

The term nam phrik refers to a vast range of chili-based sauces that are found throughout Thailand. Although the sauces may vary in consistency, they are traditionally prepared in a mortar, and apart from fresh or dry chili peppers, they usually c... READ MORE

This delicious Afghan vegetable dish is made with slices of fried eggplant that are simmered in an aromatic tomato sauce and served topped with a thick yogurt that is heavily seasoned with garlic and mint. Even though borani banjan is oft... READ MORE

This variation on parmigiana di melanzane hails from Puglia. The recipe for this Puglia-style casserole sometimes calls for using zucchini instead of eggplant, along with olive oil, flour, eggs, tomatoes, mozzarella, cooked sausage meat, and grate... READ MORE

Moussaka is one of the best known Greek dishes – a baked casserole consisting of ground lamb meat and layers of sliced eggplant, covered with a thick layer of bechamel sauce that gets golden and crusty as it bakes. The lamb is sometimes repl... READ MORE

Pakora is a savory, deep-fried Indian snack made with pieces of vegetables such as cauliflower and eggplant. Although it is a quintessential Indian snack that can be easily found on numerous street corners, it can also be made at home. Traditional... READ MORE

Even though it is prepared throughout southern Italy, the flavorful caponata is a typical Sicilian vegetable dish whose origins date back to the early 18th century. In the original recipe, the most important ingredient was gurnard fish (capone... READ MORE

Manakish is a favorite Lebanese breakfast - a round, flat bread that is typically topped with olive oil and zaatar (sesame seeds, thyme, and sumac), then baked in the oven. Other toppings might include cheese, minced lamb, spinach, or fri... READ MORE

Kafteji is a traditional dish made with fried vegetables. Typical veggies used in the dish include eggplants, bell peppers, potatoes, tomatoes, zucchinis, and pumpkins. The vegetables are fried, chopped, then combined with (often fried) eggs and s... READ MORE

Inspired by another Italian dish - the traditional Southern Italian specialty, known as parmigiana di melanzane or eggplant parmesan - pizza parmigiana is a tasty twist on this dish that uses the dish's main ingredients as toppin... READ MORE

Tokat kebabı is a traditional kebab variety originating from Tokat. It's made with lamb shanks, potatoes, eggplants, tomatoes, green peppers, garlic, and olive oil. The meat is cut into chunks, the eggplants into large slices, and the potatoes and... READ MORE

This classic Greek dip typically combines grilled eggplant, garlic, and olive oil into a creamy and flavorful dish that is mainly enjoyed as a part of meze—traditional meal service comprised of a selection of small dishes. Although ... READ MORE

Salată de vinete is a traditional summer dish that involves roasting or grilling eggplants until charred, chopping them until they form a smooth purée, and finally mixing the eggplants with sunflower oil, salt, and lemon juice. Although its... READ MORE

Kare-kare is a traditional stew consisting of meat such as tripe, pork leg, ox tail, goat or chicken, vegetables, and a thick, savory peanut sauce flavored with annatto seeds. Shrimp paste (bagoong) is often served on the side in order to... READ MORE

Imam bayildi (lit. the Imam fainted) is a Turkish dish consisting of eggplants cut in a way that they look like long canoes, filled with a combination of onions, red peppers, garlic, and tomatoes. The dish is flavored with oregano, cumin, paprika,... READ MORE

Sambar is a popular curry dish prepared with a tamarind-based broth, lentils, and vegetables. It originates from Tamil Nadu, but it is also very popular in Sri Lanka and throughout South India. The dish is traditionally served with steamed rice or... READ MORE

Şakşuka is a Turkish meze dish made with eggplants and zucchinis which are fried in olive oil, then combined with tomato sauce, garlic, and green peppers. When prepared right and served fresh, şakşuka is typically used as a side dish with a variet... READ MORE

Patlıcan dolmasi is a Turkish take on stuffed eggplants. They are often offered as a meze in many kebab places throughout the country. The dish is typically prepared with dried eggplants, when it’s known as kuru patlıcan dolmasi. The dried e... READ MORE

Kızartma is a Turkish dish consisting of fried vegetables. Although the combination of potatoes and chili peppers is the most popular, you can also use vegetables such as eggplants and zucchinis. The vegetables are fried in oil until they become t... READ MORE

Zaalouk is a traditional salad made by cooking eggplant, tomatoes, garlic, and flavorings such as cumin, paprika, coriander, and parsley. Although it can be served on its own, zaalouk is also often served as a side dish, a spread for sandwiches, o... READ MORE

Berenjenas en escabeche is a classic Argentinian side dish consisting of eggplant slices that are boiled in a water-vinegar mixture with bay leaves until tender. They are then left to soak in a jar filled with olive oil, crushed red pepper, dried ... READ MORE

Beguni is a simple dish consists of deep-fried eggplant slices. The variations may include dipping the slices in batter or coating them with various combination of gram flour and spices. The batter is usually prepared with rice and gram flour, whi... READ MORE

Tajin mahshi is a flavorful Lybian dish that is typically served as a main meal or a side dish. It consists of a variety of stuffed vegetables such as bell peppers, tomatoes, aubergines, and courgettes. The filling is usually prepared with a combi... READ MORE

This Indian specialty hails from Bihar, but it is also enjoyed in Jharkhand. One part of the dish consists of litti—small balls prepared with whole wheat flour and filled with a combination of spices and sattu (a flour-like... READ MORE

Arancini alla Norma is a traditional variety of arancini originating from Catania, Sicily. These rice balls are stuffed with the ingredients that are used in a traditional dish called pasta alla Norma: tomato sauce with basil, eggplants, and ricot... READ MORE

Dolma is Türkiye's national dish, and it signifies any sort of vegetable stuffed with a mixture based on rice. For traditional dolma, grape leaves are stuffed with rice and ground meat. Stuffed leaves were first made at the court of King Khus... READ MORE