Eggplant is one of the most versatile vegetables. You can make eggplant parmesan, eggplant lasagna, eggplant meatballs, eggplant soup, and more. You can even make healthy kid-friendly treats using overripe eggplant.
Eggplants are one of the most nutritious foods around, especially when they’re in season and available in large bunches at the farmers market.
Unfortunately, we often buy more than we can eat before it’s too late.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of recipes that use eggplant in all its overripe glory.
25 Recipes for Overripe Eggplant
Overripe eggplant can be made into a delicious dip. Simply chop the eggplant and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Then, add some fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice and you’re ready to go.
1. Grilled Eggplant
This eggplant recipe is the perfect example of how to make the most of the abundant summer produce. It’s great as a main course or appetizer, and is especially good topped with grilled chicken or shrimp.
https://www.pinterest.dk/pin/193865958950964176/2. Smoky and Spicy Eggplant Burgers
Crispy on the outside, soft and moist on the inside, these burgers are made with a combination of eggplant and zucchini. Serve on a bun with your favorite toppings or try them on their own, as a vegetarian entrée.
https://www.pinterest.dk/pin/91268329940835899/3. Stuffed Eggplant Rolls
If you’re feeling adventurous, try stuffing your own eggplant rolls. The best part is that you can use up any leftover veggies in your refrigerator to fill your rolls. Just sauté onions, garlic, spinach, mushrooms and tomatoes in a little oil until tender and stir in a handful of chopped parsley for a fresh flavor.
See Also: 30 Easy Stuffed Eggplant Recipes I Can’t Resist
https://www.pinterest.dk/pin/436567757637708692/4. Spicy Indian-Style Eggplant
Eggplants are one of the most versatile vegetables in the world, but few people know how to cook them. This recipe, from Indian chef Preeti Mistry, will change that. Toss cubed eggplant with a blend of spices and herbs; serve with rice or flatbread; and top with toasted almonds or roasted tomatoes for a simple, tasty meal.
https://www.pinterest.dk/pin/28569778876338140/5. Eggplant Caponata
A sweet, tangy and spicy caponata is the perfect side dish for grilled meats or poultry, or use as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. This is a great way to use up overripe eggplant – the skin helps add flavor and texture.
https://www.pinterest.dk/pin/13581236371505294/6. Eggplant-Feta Fritters
Crispy and light, these fritters are an easy and delicious vegetarian main course. The batter is made with mashed cooked eggplant, fresh herbs, olive oil and feta cheese. They’re great served with a Greek salad or tossed with pasta.
https://www.pinterest.dk/pin/295830269283744350/7. No-Sugar-Added Vegan Risotto
This creamy rice dish is the perfect comfort food for winter, especially when made with creamy almond milk. It’s also a great way to use up overripe eggplants.
8. Spicy, Cheesy Eggplant Casserole
This cheesy eggplant casserole is a great vegetarian main course for the winter months, and it’s even better when served with a salad of fresh greens. The sauce is packed with flavor from fresh garlic, red pepper flakes, tomatoes and olives.
https://www.pinterest.dk/pin/328692472813521805/9. Roasted Ratatouille
Overripe eggplant, zucchini and bell peppers are transformed into a delicious, healthy side dish in just minutes. To make the ratatouille even easier, you can use frozen veggies from the freezer aisle.
https://www.pinterest.dk/pin/846465692470614871/10. Grilled Eggplant and Tomatoes
Toss fresh tomatoes with grilled eggplant and onions and finish with balsamic vinegar, fresh herbs and extra virgin olive oil for a tangy side that’s ready in no time.
https://www.pinterest.dk/pin/387309636712652886/11. Grilled Eggplant Skewers with Mint Pesto
Eggplant has a tendency to be very dense, but this recipe uses an eggplant cut into wedges that’s been soaked in lemon juice for about 20 minutes. A quick grill gives the eggplant a lovely, smoky flavor, and a fresh mint pesto adds just the right amount of zing to make these skewers a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
https://www.pinterest.dk/pin/264586546847468895/12. Roasted Eggplant Fries with Herbs and Tomatoes
Sweet and savory, this dish combines ripe tomatoes and herbs with roasted eggplant for a delicious appetizer. Serve it alongside a bowl of dip or spread, or with a salad for a satisfying meal.
https://www.pinterest.dk/pin/268034615312327153/13. Crispy Eggplant Parmesan
This is the ultimate eggplant recipe: tender and crispy at the same time. The key to achieving this combination is the slow, low-and-low baking technique that crisps the eggplant without drying out the inside. You can serve this as a side dish or as part of a complete meal.
https://www.pinterest.dk/pin/86905467799083834/14. Mediterranean Eggplant Tarts
The flavors of Greek yogurt, feta cheese, mint, garlic and olive oil come together in these easy-to-make mini tarts. Serve them as appetizers, or cut into wedges to accompany a main course salad.
https://www.pinterest.dk/pin/1688918602048300/15. Grilled Eggplant and Red Pepper Skewers
Overripe eggplants make the best skewers for grilling, and the sweet red peppers pair well with the smoky eggplant. Serve these with a Greek-inspired side salad or tossed with pasta.
16. Creamy Tomato and Eggplant Soup
A hearty soup with just the right amount of spice and creaminess, this recipe is the perfect vehicle for any leftover roasted eggplant from last night’s dinner. Toss in some cubed grilled cheese or grilled chicken for an extra protein boost.
https://www.pinterest.dk/pin/130885932910679129/17. Spicy Eggplant Dip
Roasted eggplant is a perfect canvas for a spicy dip with a zingy mixture of chili powder, garlic and cumin. Serve this dish with tortilla chips or pita bread.
https://www.pinterest.dk/pin/230316968435857451/18. No-Bake Greek Yogurt-Chocolate Pie
The filling for this pie is super easy to make; just combine yogurt with a touch of honey and vanilla, stir in chocolate chips and freeze overnight. Then bake for 10 minutes, and you’ve got yourself a rich and creamy dessert.
19. Crispy Roasted Eggplant and Feta Sandwiches
Eggplant has a lot going for it – it’s easy to cook, it’s low in fat and calories, and it’s versatile enough to be used in both savory and sweet dishes. To make this sandwich even better, spread the filling on a whole-grain bread and top with a generous dollop of goat cheese.
20. Crispy Roasted Eggplant Salad
A quick dip of this roasted eggplant salad into a creamy dressing gives it a fresh twist on a classic. This recipe is ideal for summer because it uses overripe eggplant from your garden or farmers’ market.
21. Slow-Cooked Eggplant Ragu
This easy, vegetarian ragu is the perfect way to use up the eggplants from your garden or farmers’ market. It’s low-fat and low-calorie and is a great side dish for grilled chicken, fish or pork.
22. Stuffed Tomato-Basil Tart
A tart with a creamy tomato filling and a crispy crust, this recipe lets you eat a little of summer all year round. Serve it as a light supper or brunch, or make it into a main course by adding a savory chicken or cheese topping.
23. Cauliflower-Eggplant Lasagna
This vegetarian lasagna is packed with the flavors of fall, and makes a great main dish or side dish. The filling is creamy and delicious, and the layers are held together with fresh basil pesto.
24. Smoky, Tangy and Spicy Tomato-Basil Pasta Sauce
The smoky flavors of bacon, tomato paste and crushed red pepper in this pasta sauce make it a great accompaniment to grilled chicken, fish or lamb. Toss it with penne, rigatoni or other short pasta shapes.
25. Roasted Eggplant Dip
Eggplant is a good source of fiber and iron, but it can be bland and boring. This easy recipe adds smoky flavor and a little spice to eggplant’s natural sweetness. Serve with pita chips, flatbreads or crusty bread for dipping.
Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.