Craving vegan appetizers? Try these eggplant recipes
What's the story
Eggplants, thanks to their meaty texture and flavor-absorbing properties, are a secret weapon in vegan cooking.
This article highlights five ways to turn eggplants into show-stopping appetizers that will wow even the most discerning taste buds.
Whether you're craving a simple dip or something a bit more sophisticated (think stuffed and grilled to perfection), eggplants are your ticket to culinary creativity - no fancy ingredients or complicated techniques required.
Dip
Baba ganoush: A creamy delight
Baba Ganoush is a creamy, smoky eggplant dip that is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine.
To make it, you roast the eggplants until the skin is charred and the inside is tender.
Then, you blend the roasted eggplant with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and spices until smooth.
The resulting dip is a perfect pairing for fresh vegetables or pita bread.
Snack
Crispy eggplant fries
Turning eggplants into crispy fries is a healthier option to regular potato fries.
Just slice the eggplant into thin strips, and toss them in a mix of breadcrumbs and your fave spices.
Then, bake or air-fry them until they're golden brown and crispy.
Serve them up with some marinara sauce or a vegan aioli for dipping.
Appetizer
Stuffed eggplant rolls
Stuffed eggplant rolls are a fancy but easy appetizer you can make for your next dinner party.
Just slice the eggplants lengthwise and grill until they become soft.
For the filling, combine vegan ricotta cheese with spinach, basil, and nuts.
Then, put a spoonful of the filling on each eggplant slice and roll it up tightly.
Serve these delicious rolls on a layer of marinara sauce for added taste.
Starter
Eggplant bruschetta
Instead of bread, grill some eggplant slices and use those as your base for a fun twist on classic bruschetta.
Top the grilled eggplant slices with a mixture of diced tomatoes, onions, basil, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper just like traditional bruschetta.
This variation not only introduces a unique flavor combination but also offers a gluten-free and low-carb alternative to the classic recipe.
Side dish
Smoky eggplant chips
Eggplant chips are a fun and healthy snack or side dish.
Simply slice an eggplant into thin rounds (a mandoline slicer works best for even slices), toss them in olive oil and smoked paprika for a flavor kick.
Then, bake them at a low temperature until they reach the desired crispness.
Enjoy these chips on their own or with your favorite vegan dip.