Hosting a vegan dinner party and want to impress your guests with delicious, plant-based dishes Look no further than the versatile and flavourful eggplant!

This humble vegetable, also known as aubergine, can be transformed into a variety of mouthwatering dishes that will leave your guests begging for the recipes. Here are six eggplant dishes that are sure to delight and impress your vegan friends.

Baba Ganoush

Start your meal with a classic Middle Eastern dip that's creamy, smoky, and utterly addictive. Baba Ganoush is made from roasted eggplants blended with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and a touch of olive oil. The key to a great Baba Ganoush is roasting the eggplants until they are charred and soft, which gives the dip its distinctive smoky flavour. Serve it with warm pita bread or fresh vegetables for dipping, and watch it disappear in no time.

Recipe Tip: For an extra smoky flavour, grill the eggplants over an open flame before blending them with the other ingredients.

Eggplant Caponata

This Sicilian dish is a sweet and tangy stew made with eggplant, tomatoes, celery, onions, olives, and capers, all simmered together with a bit of vinegar and sugar. Eggplant Caponata can be served warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile option for any meal. It's perfect as an appetizer with crusty bread, or as a flavourful topping for pasta or rice.

Recipe Tip: Let the Caponata sit for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavours to meld together for an even richer taste.

Stuffed Eggplant

For a show-stopping main course, try making stuffed eggplant. Cut the eggplants in half and scoop out the flesh, then fill them with a savoury mixture of quinoa, chickpeas, tomatoes, herbs, and spices. Bake until the eggplants are tender and the filling is golden and bubbly. This dish is not only delicious but also visually impressive, making it a perfect centrepiece for your dinner table.

Recipe Tip: Add a sprinkle of vegan cheese on top of the stuffed eggplants before baking for a melty, cheesy finish.

Eggplant Parmesan

Who says you need cheese to make a great Eggplant Parmesan This vegan version of the Italian classic uses breaded and baked eggplant slices layered with marinara sauce and a homemade cashew-based vegan mozzarella. Bake until bubbly and golden, and you’ll have a comforting, satisfying dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Recipe Tip: Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy coating on the eggplant slices.

Grilled Eggplant Salad

For a lighter option, try a grilled eggplant salad. Slice the eggplants into rounds, brush them with avocado or olive oil, and grill them until tender and charred. Then toss the grilled eggplant with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and a zesty lemon-tahini dressing. This salad is refreshing and flavourful, with the smoky grilled eggplant adding a delicious depth of flavour.

Recipe Tip: Add some toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds for extra crunch and nuttiness.

Eggplant Curry

Warm up your guests with a comforting bowl of eggplant curry. This dish features tender eggplant chunks simmered in a fragrant coconut milk-based curry sauce, seasoned with spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Serve it over basmati rice or with warm naan bread for a satisfying and hearty meal.

Recipe Tip: Roast the eggplant chunks before adding them to the curry for a richer, deeper flavour.

Eggplant is a fantastic ingredient for vegan cooking, offering a wide range of textures and flavours that can be used in a variety of dishes. Next time you're planning a vegan meal, give these eggplant recipes a try. Share your cooking experiences and favourite recipes with your friends and family, and don't forget to enjoy the process of creating delicious, plant-based meals that everyone will love!