Inventive ways of using eggplants to top your vegan pizzas
Eggplant, with its meaty texture, is a standout vegetable that can elevate the humble vegan pizza to a gourmet level. Its spongy flesh is perfect for soaking up a variety of flavors, making it an ideal topping for those looking to enhance their pizza experience. Join us as we delve into five inventive ways to top your vegan pizza with this versatile vegetable!
Smoky eggplant ribbons
Thinly slice eggplant into ribbons and marinate in a blend of olive oil, smoked paprika, and garlic to infuse them with a smoky essence. Grill the marinated ribbons until they're slightly charred. These smoky strips add a rustic charm to your pizza, creating a perfect harmony with the tangy tomato sauce and enhancing the overall flavor profile of your vegan delight.
Crispy eggplant rounds
Slice the eggplant into thin rounds and dip them in a flavorful mix of breadcrumbs seasoned with Italian herbs. Lay them out on a baking sheet and cook until they reach a desirable level of crispiness. These golden, crunchy discs provide a satisfying textural contrast to the soft pizza dough and melt-in-your-mouth vegan cheese, adding an extra dimension of pleasure to each bite.
Spiced eggplant cubes
For a taste of India, cube your eggplant and season generously with a blend of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and a dash of chili powder. Roast these cubes until they adopt a rich golden hue. Adding these spiced treasures to your pizza infuses each slice with an inviting warmth and an intricate depth of flavor that will delight your palate.
Mediterranean eggplant spread
Roast your eggplant until it's tender and smoky, then blend it with smooth tahini, zesty lemon juice, and aromatic garlic to create a creamy baba ganoush. Generously spread this rich mixture over your pizza dough as a flavorful base. This Mediterranean-inspired layer introduces a tangy and savory dimension that pairs exceptionally well with other vegan toppings, making each slice of pizza a gourmet experience.
Marinated eggplant strips
Marinate eggplant strips in a mix of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, thyme, salt and pepper. Bake the strips until they're tender. These sweet-and-sour strips will bring a unique flavor to your pizza. For a fresh twist, add arugula or spinach leaves on top after baking, complementing the rich flavors with a burst of freshness.
