One of the best parts about warmer weather is the abundance of summer vegetables in our gardens and farmers’ markets. From zucchini recipes to corn recipes—the start of summer means the introduction of so many fresh dishes. And, of course, summer wouldn’t be complete without a few of our favorite eggplant recipes, too!
Eggplant is one of those veggies (that’s actually a fruit) in which you can make a variety of meals. It can be cooked and mashed into a smoky party dip, sliced and grilled for a quick summer recipe, or breaded and fried for a comfort food favorite. And if you ask Ree Drummond, you won’t want to miss the melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness of tender roasted eggplant. « Roasted eggplant is one of life’s sheer pleasures, » she says, « and it converts even the staunchest anti-eggplant humans. »
Perhaps one of the best-known ways to use eggplant is in a classic eggplant parmesan. It’s layered with marinara sauce and plenty of cheese to make a vegetarian main course that even a cowboy would love. Here, you’ll find variations on the traditional dish, including Ree’s grilled eggplant parm hoagies. And speaking of Italian dinner ideas, this list also includes eggplant in pasta recipes, summer salads, simple sides, and more. So read on for everything you need to know about cooking with eggplant!
