Quickly sautéed with olive oil and garlic, as well as salt and pepper, this is a fast and tasty option that highlights the natural flavors of the eggplant.
Serve with chicken, grilled fish, or a plant-based meal.
An authentic staple in Chinese cuisine, Eggplant in Garlic Sauce is a sautéed delight that boasts spiciness and sweetness.
Typically, Asian varieties of eggplant are used, which are slender and less bitter than their Western counterparts, but you can still create this dish without them.
The eggplant is first sliced and then stir-fried until tender, absorbing the flavors of the sauce it’s cooked in.
The sauce contains soy sauce and garlic, and you can also add a touch of sugar or hoisin sauce for added depth.
Red pepper flakes or Chinese chili paste can be used to introduce heat, while a garnish of chopped green onions and sesame seeds adds a layer of texture and flavor.
This side dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and a main course of meat or tofu.
A quintessential Middle Eastern dish, Baba Ganoush is the epitome of culinary simplicity and flavor complexity.
The eggplant is first roasted until the skin becomes charred, giving the interior flesh a smoky flavor.
After removing the skin, the eggplant is mashed and blended with tahini, a paste made from sesame seeds.
The dish is seasoned with minced garlic and freshly squeezed lemon juice for acidity. Olive oil often serves as the finishing touch, along with a sprinkling of smoked paprika or cumin.
Served chilled, Baba Ganoush makes for an excellent appetizer or side dish, especially when accompanied by warm pita bread or crunchy vegetables.
Briam is a traditional Greek dish that includes a mixture of roasted vegetables, such as eggplant, zucchini, potatoes, and red bell peppers, all cooked together in a tomato and olive oil sauce.
Herbs like oregano, basil, mint, and parsley elevate the dish.
Served as a side, Briam makes a flavorful companion to grilled meats or a satisfying option for a plant-based meal.
Drawing inspiration from the classic Italian Caprese salad, this version includes grilled or roasted slices of eggplant along with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella.
Drizzled with a basil vinaigrette, this salad offers a delicious blend of textures and flavors.
The smoky undertone of the eggplant complements the creaminess of the mozzarella and the tanginess of the tomatoes, making it a well-rounded side dish that pairs wonderfully with various mains, from grilled fish to roasted chicken.
Healthy Choices
Eggplant is a healthy option in itself, but cooking techniques and added ingredients can increase calories.
For our health-conscious readers, we have a selection of super healthy sides to try:
Combining roasted or grilled eggplant with chickpeas, herbs, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and a yogurt and tahini dressing makes for a nutritious and filling side dish.
This wholesome salad combines roasted chunks of eggplant with cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, and parsley.
A light dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and a hint of garlic brings all the elements together.
This high-protein, fiber-rich dish is not only nutritious but also exceptionally flavorful, with the nutty quinoa and earthy eggplant complementing the sweet tomatoes.
It’s a perfect side for health-conscious individuals and those looking for a lighter yet satisfying option.
Stuffed Eggplant is a hearty and adaptable side dish that can be tailored to suit a variety of culinary traditions.
The eggplant is first hollowed out, and its flesh is sautéed along with an array of vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes.
You can make the dish your own by adding grains like rice or quinoa to the sauteed veg mixture – or add ground meat for a more filling option. The flavors are enhanced with basil and parsley.
Once the stuffing is prepared, it’s packed back into the hollowed-out eggplant shells and baked until tender.
The dish is topped with breadcrumbs and a layer of grated cheese that turns golden brown in the oven.
Stuffed Eggplant serves as a wonderful side dish but is substantial enough to be a vegetarian main course.
In Summary
Whether you’re looking for something simple and quick, super healthy, or a recipe fit for a special occasion, there’s an eggplant side dish for you.
This versatile vegetable lends itself well to a variety of cooking methods and flavors, making it a stellar choice for almost any meal.
I'm Barbara Hunt, the founder of WomenChefs.org. Being a mom of two, I understand the challenges of meal planning and the monotony it can bring.
That's why I created WomenChefs.org, a platform dedicated to showcasing the skills and delicious dishes crafted by amazing women. My goal is to provide a space where women can find delectable recipes that tantalize their taste buds and ignite their senses.
I hope you'll join me in exploring WomenChefs.org and discovering your next favorite recipe. Let's embrace culinary diversity and try something new together!
