Hurry The Food Up Vegan and Vegetarian Recipes For Busy People
Most vegans out there have known the disappointment of a boring roasted eggplant dish as the only vegan option, but this list of vegan eggplant recipes (or vegan aubergine recipes) is here to prove that there are better eggplant options out there.
In fact, eggplant is often used as a meat replacement BECAUSE it’s so versatile and can be used in many meat dishes. The issue is that when it’s not cooked well, it can be a pretty boring dish.
To solve that, we’ve put together this list of vegan eggplant recipes. All of these recipes are tasty, exciting vegan recipes.
There’s everything from stuffed eggplant, to eggplant pasta, to eggplant meatballs in here!
If you’re looking for more vegan recipes but eggplant isn’t really your style, why not check out our vegan meal plan?
In case I’ve confused the Brits out there, this is a list of vegan aubergine recipes. I’m just using the more widely used term: eggplant.
Interestingly, the term aubergine comes from the french word for eggplant and was originally derived from an arabic word.
Eggplant, on the other hand, comes from a white variety of the plant that looks similar to a goose egg. This variation was more common in North America in the 18th Century, when the term was coined.
If my tangent on the history of the words eggplant and aubergine hasn’t bored you, you should read more about words that are different in the US and the UK.
How to cook eggplant
This is the big question, and the stumbling block for lots of new vegans when cooking vegan eggplant recipes.
First things first, make sure you know how to pick an eggplant. We’ve written about how to select the perfect aubergine in our baba ganoush recipe (that’s an eggplant dip, by the way).
Once you’re on to the cooking stage, remember that eggplant is mostly water and will soak up anything they are paired with. They can also get soggy if you’re not careful.
There’s also debate over whether or not to salt your eggplant.
We suggest you stick to whatever the recipe says. Whoever is writing has fine tuned their eggplant curry or grilled eggplant recipes to make them perfect.
If you want to make these easy eggplant recipes even easier, check out these tips on cooking eggplants.
Otherwise, keep scrolling to find all the vegan eggplant recipes (or vegan aubergine recipes) you could hope for.
Mains
Bonus: quick, nutritious and very delicious, can be stored for a while in the fridge
This amazing aubergine curry (or eggplant curry) is quick, vegan and soooo tasty. Brought to you by the kings of curry.
Ready in: 1 hour
Recipe by: MyPurePlants
Bonus: creamy, hearty, yet healthy dish
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.
Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: YumVeganLunchIdeas
Bonus: delicious, nutritious and versatile sandwich
These easy one dish Baked Eggplant Fajitas are seriously tasty and full of flavor. This easy recipe with eggplant, black beans, and veggies is so so good.
Ready in: 50 minutes
Recipe by: KetoVegetarianRecipes
Bonus: super healthy, delicious and easy
These keto eggplant meatballs are a tasty plant based meatball for a low carb vegetarian or vegan meal. Made with a mix of eggplants and mushrooms they are baked but could be air fried too.
Ready in: 1 hour 5 minutes (just 5 minutes prep)
Recipe by: FitFoodieNutter
Bonus: super simple, flavorful, healthy and tasty
Whether you’re looking for a family friendly meat-free weeknight dinner or a winning recipe for a dinner party with friends, this super easy yet utterly delicious Asian-inspired sticky aubergine will tick all the boxes. Vegan and can be made gluten-free.
Ready in: 35 minutes
Recipe by: aSimplePalate
Bonus: easy, quick, meaty, delicious and mega healthy
6 ingredient roasted eggplant pasta in a rich tomato sauce. This pasta dish is filled with satisfying flavor and can be served with your favorite gluten free or vegetable pasta! Simple & delicious.
Ready in: 25 minutes
Recipe by: ItsAVegWorldAfterAll
Bonus: quick, easy and so delicious
This vegan eggplant recipe is flavorful, easy to make, and served with homemade teriyaki sauce. It’s a great 30-minute dinner recipe for busy nights!
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: CookeAtLiveLove
Bonus: tasty, hearty and crunchy sandwich
Delicious meaty eggplants layered with lots of crunchy veggies and the added flavors of a salty, briny olive spread.
Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp
Bonus: so simple, tasty and spicy dinner
This easy pasta arrabiata can be made just as spicy as you like it – you’re in control with our step by step guide. Sugo all’arrabbiata here we come!
Ready in: 21 minutes
Recipe by: Mrishtanna
Bonus: quick, delicious, healthy and authentic dish
Brinjal rice is a vegan, gluten-free, and one-pot meal that you can prepare in less than 30 minutes when you have the powder ready to go.
Ready in: 40 minutes
Recipe by: CookeAtLiveLove
Bonus: easy, crispy, smoky and full of taste
Thinly sliced eggplant brushed with a sweet and smoky marinade imitate bacon in this quick and easy vegan bacon recipe.
Ready in: 55 minutes (just 10 minutes prep)
Recipe by: FitFoodieNutter
Bonus: easy, delicious, nutritious and so good
This mouth-watering vegan BLT sandwich with eggplant bacon is a delicious plant-based bacon fix for vegans or meat eaters alike. Smokey roasted eggplant, crispy lettuce, juicy tomatoes and creamy vegan mayonnaise make this vegan sandwich taste out of this world.
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: DishByDish
Bonus: simple, comforting, filling and flavorful dish
Warm, rich and comforting, this simple garlic eggplant penne pasta is food to fuel you on busy days.
Ready in: 40 minutes
Recipe by: SlenderKitchen
Bonus: quick, healthy, delicious and so easy!
These easy one dish Baked Eggplant Fajitas are seriously tasty and full of flavor. This easy recipe with eggplant, black beans, and veggies is so so good.
Ready in: 1 hour 15 minutes (just 20 minutes)
Recipe by: LittleSunnyKitchen
Bonus: easy to make, healthy, delicious and can be stored in a fridge a couple of days
Stuffed aubergines cooked the Middle Eastern way in tomato sauce. These stuffed aubergines/eggplants are made vegan as they’re stuffed with just rice, veggies, spices and no meat!
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: LittleSunnyKitchen
Bonus: creamy, delicious and really easy
Aubergine and chickpea curry is perfect for a mid-week dinner as it takes just 30 minutes to prepare. Served over white rice and garnished with chopped fresh parsley leaves.
Ready in: 40 minutes
Recipe by: TraditionallyModernFood
Bonus: simple, easy, nutritious and so tasty
Kathirikai sadam is a tasty variety rice prepared with Brinjal. Freshly ground spice powder gives a nice flavor to the rice. Kathirikai sadam is one quick lunch box dish for busy weekday.
Ready in: 1 hour
Recipe by: MyPurePlants
Bonus: simple, healthy and so delicious
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.
Ready in: 25 minutes
Recipe by: ProfusionCurry
Bonus: quick, flavorful and mega delicious
Chinese Spicy Eggplant is easy to make, full of aromatic flavors and excellent taste. Learn how to cook this simple yet delicious recipe that is gluten free, vegan, soy free and uses just a few ingredients.
Sides and Salads
Ready in: 45 minutes
Recipe by: ThePeskyVegan
Bonus: sweet, savoury, aromatic and healthy dish
This teriyaki grilled aubergine is a great addition to any vegan barbecue. Golden, slightly crispy, and gluten-free, you can enjoy it as either a side or a main.
Ready in: 40 minutes
Recipe by: YumVeganLunchIdeas
Bonus: beautiful, tasty, flavorful and so good
This moroccan eggplant salad is the perfect summer BBQ salad recipe. With delicate Moroccan spices, a smokey BBQ flavour, roasted chickpeas, fresh rocket leaf salad and a zesty dressing – this is a must try. BBQ eggplant is creamy and flavorsome. This roasted eggplant salad recipe is sure to impress!
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: InTheKitch
Bonus: simple, easy to prep, and easy to cook, perfect for any occasion
Escalivada is a traditional Spanish dish made from grilled vegetables. While that might not sound too exciting on the surface, prepare to have your mind blown by just how delicious some well cooked vegetables in a tangy, savory dressing can be.
Ready in: 40 minutes
Recipe by: VeganPunks
Bonus: spicy, soft and tasty dish
Aubergine bhaji, or brinjal bhaji, is a classic Indian side dish that pairs the rich, creaminess of aubergines with classic spices like garam masala and cumin. This recipe will serve 2 as a main and 4 as a side.
Ready in: 1 hour 5 minutes (just 15 minutes prep)
Recipe by: GreedyGourmet
Bonus: super quick, simple to make, delicious and full of flavor
Miso Eggplant, also known as Nasu Dengaku, is a Japanese eggplant starter recipe. Simply halve the eggplants, bake them, glaze with miso and grill. Serve on its own as a starter, or create a vegan meal by serving it with rice and salad.
Ready in: 10 minutes prep and 40 minutes cooking
Recipe by: Cooktoria
Bonus: simple, filling, hearty, and a great addition to any meal
This Easy Vegan Eggplant Stew is very simple and tasty. There is one extra step that makes the eggplant meaty, tender, and so soft.
Ready in: 35 minutes
Recipe by: CarolinesCooking
Bonus: easy to make, packed with fresh flavor and taste
This Moroccan eggplant with chermoula is easy to make, great for making ahead, and delicious for lunch or as a side.
Ready in: 45 minutes
Recipe by: SpicyTamarind
Bonus: authentic, simple and flavorful
Baingan bharta is a smoky rustic dish that is prepared by mincing eggplant which has been charred over direct fire.
Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: VeggiesSaveTheDay
Bonus: quick, healthy, nutritious and beautiful salad
Grilled Eggplant Salad with Chickpeas and Tomatoes is a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired recipe. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and healthy.
Ready in: 45 minutes
Recipe by: VeggieDesserts
Bonus: easy to make, beautiful and bursting with great taste
Roasted eggplant wedges get deliciously caramelised and are perfect on a salad. This method uses less oil, so it’s a healthy way to enjoy them. The baked aubergine is perfect with seasoned grains and kale in a salad or as a side dish. Vegan.
Snacks and Appetizers
Ready in: 1 hour (just 10 minutes prep)
Recipe by: WholeFoodBellies
Bonus: easy to make, healthy and nutritious, freezer-friendly dish
These vegan sausage rolls combine a mixture of eggplant, cannellini beans, garlic, onions, and parsley. They are able to be made ahead of time and enjoyed either hot or cold. Great for lunch boxes or paired with a salad for a nice homemade lunch at home. Meal prep and freezer-friendly to boot.
Ready in: 50 minutes (only 10 minutes prep)
Recipe by: HappyKitchen
Bonus: simple, healthy, incredibly delicious
These Georgian Eggplant Rolls With Walnut Filling are a delightfully simply, healthy vegan appetizer. Three ingredients, some artfully chosen spices, and less than an hour of time and you have a vegan treat for the tastebuds with these walnut stuffed eggplant rolls.
Ready in: 1 hour 30 minutes
Recipe by: YourGuardianChef
Bonus: simple ingredients, healthy, and so tasty
Aubergine caviar may sound sophisticated, however, it is very simple to make. It is baked aubergine with plenty of garlic, thyme and olive oil.
Ready in: 45 minutes
Recipe by: VeggiesDontBite
Bonus: easy, mega tasty, crispy and healthy
These baked eggplant fries will turn even the eggplant hater into a lover. I know because this was me! Healthy, easy and so delicious.
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: TheUrbenLife
Bonus: quick, easy, delicious and totally satisfying!
These eggplant pizza bites are dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, and low-carb! Each slice is topped with pizza sauce, plant-based cheese, and fresh basil. Enjoy them as a light lunch or fun snack.
Ready in: 50 minutes
Recipe by: ForkfulOfPlants
Bonus: delicious, full of taste and flavour dip
The love child of muhammara and baba ganoush, this mediterannean dip is sweet, creamy, garlicky, smoky and a little bit nutty. Perfect enjoyed with warm grilled pitta and hungry friends.
Ready in: 25 minutes
Recipe by: ElectricBlueFood
Bonus: simple, flavorful and mega delicious
A flavourful appetizer inspired by the flavours of the Mediterranean. Enjoy this grilled eggplant bruschetta with fresh mint and, optionally, roasted cherry tomatoes!
Ready in: 50 minutes
Recipe by: CookingJourneyBlog
Bonus: healthy, tasty and mega delicious
This Japanese eggplant recipe makes a great appetizer. Are you looking for healthy eggplant recipe for dinner? Roasted eggplant with avocado pesto is a winner!
Ready in: 1 hour
Recipe by: PepperBowl
Bonus: simple ingredients, super tasty and versatile
‘Baked Eggplant Recipe / Easy Crispy Eggplant’ is perfect recipe is great for snack / appetizer. Best way of celebrations.Best for using as the main ingredient for making sandwiches, lasagnas.
Ready in: 35 minutes
Recipe by: CookMorphosis
Bonus: quick, simple, full of taste, great appetizer or a side dish
Refresh, sweet, addicted, vegan, and gluten free are all that can say about this amazing restaurant style Japanese Miso Eggplant.
Bonus: smoky, soft and beautifully delicious dip 🙂
Baba Ganoush – (Eggplant Dip / Aubergine Dip) Flatbreads and pitas go perfectly with this beautiful fusion of Arab-Mediterranean cuisines.
Ingredients
- 3 small eggplants (3 small eggplants = 600-700g in total)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp tahini (or sesame paste is fine too)
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (plus a splash when serving the dish)
- 1 tsp paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
Optional
- 1 handful pomegranate seeds
- 1 tbsp cilantro/coriander, fresh
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 180ºc.
- Put the eggplants on a oven tray with a splash of olive oil and some salt.
- Using a fork, poke a couple of holes in them.
- Add the garlic cloves as well. No need to peel them.
- Roast until tender ( 25-30 minutes).
- Let the eggplants cool for a while, then slice them open and carve out the “flesh”.
- With a beater or food processor mix the eggplant flesh with the rest of ingredients (juice the lemon and peel the garlic too before you throw it in).
- Serve in a bowl with some paprika and a splash of olive oil for garnish. You can eat as a dip with pitas, flatbread or nachos or as a side dish of main course.
Optional
- Stir in pomegranate seeds and cilantro to give this lovely Baba Ganoush an extra freshness kick.
Nutrition
I’m pretty sure that this list of vegan eggplant recipes has enough variation to provide recipe inspiration for a long time (or all the eggplants you can get your hands on).
By covering all kinds of cuisines, like chinese eggplant recipes and japanese eggplant recipes, and different types of recipes, like eggplant salads and eggplant dinner recipes, it really shows all the best that eggplants/aubergines have to offer.
These all look amazing!