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I've curated this list of 19 eggplant appetizers in conjunction with a recipe for Ukrainian Eggplant Roll ups shared by my podcast guest, Anisa in Episode 116 Siberia, Diamonds, and Clowns! The Story of a Jewish Ukrainian Refugee
Glimpses of warm weather these past couple of weeks means summer is (finally) coming. In the US, eggplant is usually a late summer vegetable. However, many cultures around the world eat this versatile vegetable all year around. So really, every time is a good time for new eggplant recipes!
My podcast guest, Anisa shared her Ukrainian eggplant roll up recipe with us. While writing the post, my research showed how many of you are looking for easy, delicious eggplant appetizers!
So, here they are! 19 global recipes for eggplant appetizers. Enjoy!
Jump to:
- How to Use This List
- Eggplant Based Dips
- Fried Eggplant Appetizers
- Baked Eggplant Apps
- Grilled
- Filled/Stuffed Eggplant Recipes
- Elegant Eggplant Toppings
- Listen to Anisa's Memories of Her Mother's Famous Ukrainian Eggplant Rollatini
- FAQ:
- Should you salt or soak the eggplant in milk before cooking?
- What is the secret to cooking an eggplant without it becoming soggy?
- Are eggplants dangerous to eat?
- How to preserve an uncooked eggplant vs a cooked eggplant?
- What are the different varieties of eggplant around the world?
- What are some health benefits of eggplants?
- 19 Easy Eggplant Appetizer Ideas
- 22 Global Eggplant Appetizer Recipes
How to Use This List
- The list is organized by preparation style and organized in this order: dips, fried, baked, grilled, filled, and as a topping.
- Don't miss the in-depth FAQ at the bottom. There is a lot more to discover about eggplants than meets the eye!
- As always, I would love to hear if you have more ideas!
Eggplant Based Dips
If you've already done Baba Ganoush a zillion times, I recommend the famous Persian eggplant dip, less known in the US: Mirza Ghasemi. Enjoy any of these with warm pita bread, pita chips, or crusty bread.
Mirza Ghasemi: Persian Smoked Eggplant and Eggs Dip
Cooks in 40 minutesMirza Ghasemi is a garlicky smoked eggplant, tomato, and egg dish from the north of Iran. Can be used as a dip or on rice as a main course.
Epic Baba Ganoush
Cooks in 55 minutesThis baba ganoush recipe is the best! It's easy to make, too (no food processor required). You'll need eggplant, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and spices. Recipe yields about 1 3/4 cups (enough to serve 4 to 6 as an appetizer).
Caponata Recipe
Sicilian caponata is a tasty salad or relish made of eggplant with onions, celery, and tomatoes and augmented with tangy olives and capers. It's best the next day, so try to make it ahead and store it in the fridge in a tight-lid mason jar. Bring it to room temperature before serving.
Roasted Eggplant Dip
Cooks in 65 minutesMy Roasted Eggplant Dip, with a slightly smoky flavor, and a hint of tomatoes, garlic, and lemon is a taste sensation your whole family will love.
Melitzanosalata recipe (Traditional Greek Eggplant dip)
Cooks in 1 hour 10 minutesCapture the essence of Greek cooking with this traditional Greek melitzanosalata (eggplant dip) recipe. This is the simplest, no fuss version of the traditional Greek melitzanosalata recipe with only three very simple, straightforward steps to follow.
Mutabal (Moutabal) Recipe
Cooks in 15 minutesAuthentic Mutabal (Moutabal) recipe - made at home! The secret to its incredible smoky flavor lies in grilling the eggplants until they char and smoke.
Fried Eggplant Appetizers
Isn't it amazing that Mother Nature has given us these versatile summer vegetables for can be creamy sauces and dips like those above AND still standup to the process of becoming crunchy, delicious fried treats?! Here are our favorite Fried Eggplant dishes to add to a nice mezze platter.
Eggplant Fritters - Melitzanokeftedes
These easy eggplant fritters are fantastic as an appetizer, finger food, or a quick dinner paired with a salad.
Fried Eggplant
Cooks in 22 minutesOur Fried Eggplant recipe creates an easy, crispy dish thats all about texture. This Italian delight only needs a few ingredients.
3 Ways to Make Eggplant Tempura
Cooks in 55 minutesEggplant is one of my favorite tempura ingredients. Learn three different ways to cut and prepare eggplant and enjoy this versatile vegetable's different looks and textures!
📋Deep Fried Italian Eggplant Meatballs
Cooks in 80 minutesDeep fried eggplant balls is a classic recipe from the South of Italy, even the fussiest children will devour those delightful vegetable bites.
Baked Eggplant Apps
If you want a lighter, healthier alternative to something fried that can be cooked in the oven or air fryer, the recipes below will deliver the same great taste to your taste buds, without the heaviness of frying. Add a few fresh herbs on top or to the side for an even fresher flavor.
Baked Eggplant Sticks
Cooks in 25 minutesThese Baked Eggplant Sticks are breaded with Italian breadcrumbs and Parmesan, baked or air-fried until golden, and served with a quick marinara sauce.
Miso-Glazed Eggplant
Cooks in 30 minutesBaked and broiled in the oven, this Miso-Glazed Eggplant is easily the dream dish of any eggplant lover! The eggplant pieces are nicely caramelized on the edges yet so creamy in the middle. Its a satisfying vegan dish that you can make in 30 minutes.
Grilled
Summer is the perfect time to break out the grill for all of your home cooks, and it is also the right place to make a tasty eggplant dish for everyone to enjoy.
Grilled Eggplant Recipe
Cooks in 15 minutesSkewers of eggplant marinated in a Jamaican jerk marinade and grilled for a perfect light summer snack!
Tender Grilled Eggplant Skewers with Za'atar
Cooks in 510 minutesThese Grilled Eggplant Skewers are marinated overnight with za'atar, sumac, honey, and sesame, then grilled until creamy and tender. They will literally melt in your mouth! Serve with tahini, chopped pistachios, parsley, and lemon wedges. Gluten-free, dairy-free.
Filled/Stuffed Eggplant Recipes
A sure way to impress your guests is to make one of the following recipes. They are bound to be a showstopper of a side dish on any table. Garnish with fresh parsley for a little pop of color and freshness, and some pine nuts for some crunch.
Georgian Eggplant Rolls with Walnuts
Cooks in 50 minutesThese Georgian Eggplant Rolls With Walnut Filling are a delightfully simply, healthy vegan appetizer. Three ingredients, some artfully chosen spices, and less than an hour of time and you have a vegan treat for the tastebuds with these walnut stuffed eggplant rolls.
Easy Moroccan Stuffed Eggplant (beef or lamb)
Cooks in 90 minutesRecipe video above. A delicious, unique, EASY way to serve up eggplant and minced / ground beef or lamb! Think of this as a midweek take on traditional Arabic stuffed eggplant that's usually hollowed out.Don't worry if you don't have every single spice. There's so many in this spice mix, it will still be tasty even if you're missing one...or two, even three!Serves2 as a main with a small side salad, or 4 as a meal with a starch (flatbread, couscous) and a substantial side (like this Pumpkin Salad, roast veg, chickpea salad), or 4 as a generous starter.
Stuffed Eggplant
Cooks in 1 hour 30 minutesThis Mediterranean Stuffed Eggplant is delicious, filling, and healthy. This vegetarian dinner is loaded with veggies and topped with bubbly cheese.
Ukrainian Roll Ups: Baked Eggplant Appetizer Recipe
Ukrainian Roasted and Marinated Eggplant Rollups are light, spicy, and sharp and smothered in rich and savory sauce. A healthy appetizer that pairs well with a range of main dishes from rich casseroles to and simple grilled meats and rice.
Elegant Eggplant Toppings
Bruschetta is a classic hors d'oeuvre, and when topped off with some fresh basil and some olive oil, it will make a great addition to a complete meal that your guests will enjoy.
Simple Eggplant Bruschetta with Tomatoes and Herbs
Cooks in 30 minutesRoasted eggplant bruschetta is a perfect and delicious appetizer for your summer garden party, picnic or weeknight meal. It comes together quickly (in under 20 minutes) and covers all the bases. Hearty vegetables, tangy cheese, herbaceous basil, sweet mint and balsamic.A definite crowd-pleaser. Pair this with one of my many appetizer recipes like Mutabal (roasted eggplant dip), Eggplant hummus or Fried shishitos.
Mediterranean Roasted Eggplant Bruschetta
Cooks in 45 minutesThis vegetarian bruschetta is a stunning appetizer option - quick and easy and packed with roasted veggie flavors. The balsamic glaze and parmesan takes it right over the top.
Listen to Anisa's Memories of Her Mother's Famous Ukrainian Eggplant Rollatini
Anisa works as a food photographer under the delightful moniker @thewonkystove - a title just as quirky, unique, and delightful as Anisa herself. A
Anisa arrived in the US as a very refugee from the former Soviet Union. Anisa’s Jewish Ukrainian family suffered especially cruelly under their communist rule. Her mother’s great courage in fleeing to the United States, and resilience in the face of tragedy once she arrived here, is an inspiration.
Beyond that, Anisa’s experience with food insecurity teaches us how we, as a society, need to respond to and support brave families like Anisa’s.
If this sounds like a dark episode, you’ll learn that humor is one of the greatest legacies of Anisa’s family - and perhaps a secret weapon in their success. I couldn’t be more honored to share Anisa’s stories.
FAQ:
Should you salt or soak the eggplant in milk before cooking?
Though most eggplants today aren't bitter, an eggplant can become bitter if too much time passes after being harvested. Typically those found in grocery stores that have sat too long have a bitter taste. The Kitchn explains three ways that have been said to work to combat bitterness:
- Salt: salt the eggplant and let it sit for an hour which may lessen the bitterness and will release some of the moisture in the eggplant.
- Soaked in milk: you can soak the eggplant slices or cubes in milk for about 30 minutes to reduce the bitterness; the added benefit is that it makes the eggplant extra creamy.
- Scoop out the seeds: getting rid of the seeds could reduce the bitterness since the seeds tend to hold the most bitterness in an eggplant.
Though not everyone believes these tricks work, it is up to your personal consumption and taste if you find that these tricks make your eggplant taste less bitter.
source: https://www.thekitchn.com/3-things-you-can-do-you-temper-bitter-eggplants-232835
What is the secret to cooking an eggplant without it becoming soggy?
Long, skinnier varieties of eggplant, such as the Japanese or Chinese varieties, tend to hold their form better when cooked compared to other varieties. As mentioned above, when you cut 1/4 - 1/2 inch slices of eggplant, you can salt the slices to release some of the moisture, pat them dry with a towel, and then cook to help prevent some of the fat (from olive oil or other fat) from being soaked into the eggplant while cooking. If cooking eggplant in a pan, you can prevent steaming the eggplant which will cause it to be more soggy by creating an even single layer with space in between the pieces.
Are eggplants dangerous to eat?
Eggplants are a part of the nightshade family which contains a naturally occurring pesticide called α-solanine. This toxin is also found in other common foods such as potatoes, apples, cherries, (green, yellow, or red) bell peppers, tomatoes, and sugar beets. However, α-solanine is only harmful if you consume an extremely large amount of it. For example, the Permaculture Research Institute says that "a 150 lb. (68kg) person would need to consume a minimum of 136mg of solanine for toxic symptoms to appear. The average eggplant has about 11mg of solanine. Therefore to consume anything close to a lethal dose of solanine, you would have to eat 12 eggplants." As long as you don't exceed the daily values of eggplant, it is safe to eat.
sources: https://www.permaculturenews.org/2017/04/13/incredible-edible-eggplant/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/solanine
How to preserve an uncooked eggplant vs a cooked eggplant?
Uncooked: Uncovered, and in a vented bowl in a cool place at room temperature away from other fruits and vegetables that are likely to speed up the ripping process. If you want to refrigerate it, wrap the eggplant in a paper towel, place it in an unsealed bag, and store it in the crisper for up to a week,
Cooked: If you want to store cooked eggplant, the best way is to place it in an airtight container, seal it, and store it in the fridge before reheating. MasterClass says that your eggplant leftovers will be good for up to 5 days in the fridge after they are cooked.
sources: https://www.thekitchn.com/the-best-place-to-store-eggplant-is-not-in-the-refrigerator-174191
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-store-eggplant
What are the different varieties of eggplant around the world?
In the US, the most familiar eggplants are big, heavy eggplants that have a deep purple, glossy skin, however, there are so many other types that range from long and skinny to small, green, grape-like eggplant varieties. This list is somewhat contested because some say there are ~8-11 eggplant types and others say there are up to 20 different types. I am using the resource from Daily Meal for this list, but different lists will say different things.
- American or globe eggplant
- Chinese eggplant, or Pingtung Long - long, skinny, and light or dark purple; very firm skin; doesn't have many seeds
- Indian eggplant, or Ratna or Brinjal - large egg-shaped; about 2 to 3 inches long; deep purple
- Japanese eggplant, - long, skinny, and can range from light purple to black; very fragile skin; doesn't have many seeds
- Rosa Bianca eggplant - founded in Sicily, Italy; small pumpkin shape; white and lavender skin color; few seeds; good for stuffing
- Thai eggplant - small and about 1 inch in diameter; firm skin; varying shades of green; crunchy and bitter and can be eaten raw; popular snack in Thailand
- White eggplant - white skin; looks similar in shape to an American eggplant; thicker skin; milder and less bitter than purple eggplants
- Little green eggplant, or Ao Daimaru - popular in Japan; about 3 inches in diameter; shiny, green skin; firm with very few seeds; much less bitter
- Italian Nadia eggplant - similar to the American eggplant in shape and color; thin, smooth, and skin deep purple skin
- Graffiti or Zebra eggplant - distinctive white and purple strips; similar shape to American eggplant; skin is much thinner than the purple eggplants
- Fairy tale eggplant - about 4 inches long; lavender skin speckled with white; doesn't have many seeds; cooks quickly
- Little finger eggplant - from the Yamagata region of Japan; skinny; about the size of a finger; dark purple skin; good for roasting
- Cluster eggplant - indigenous to South America and Africa; looks like a bunch of green grapes; typically grows in the wild; color ranges from lime green to canary yellow; used in Thai cuisine
- Hairy eggplant - native to Southeast Asia; about an inch in diameter; bright orange; hairy skin; interior tastes similar to a passion fruit
- Baby yellow eggplant - native to Thailand; 1-2 inch diameter; bright yellow; seeds need to be removed before consuming; tart; has a thick flesh
- Nubia eggplant - from Italy; stripe lavender and white skin; maroon with pink or white speckles; interior is hearty; thick skin
- Antigua eggplant - from Italy; long and skinny; white and lilac striped skin; mellow, buttery, and never bitter flesh
source: https://thedailymeal.com/1247004/a-beginners-guide-to-the-wide-world-of-eggplant-varieties/
What are some health benefits of eggplants?
Whether made into a main dish or an easy appetizer, eggplant is a healthy and flavorful addition to any meal.
- Rich in Nutrients: Eggplants are low in calories but rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B6, thiamine, niacin, magnesium, phosphorus, and copper.
- High in Fiber: Eggplants are a good source of dietary fiber, which can help promote digestive health, prevent constipation, and may contribute to weight management by promoting feelings of fullness.
- Antioxidant Properties: Eggplants contain phytonutrients such as anthocyanins, which give them their purple color. These compounds have antioxidant properties that can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.
- Heart Health: The fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and B vitamins found in eggplants are all beneficial for heart health. Potassium can help regulate blood pressure, while fiber and vitamins C and B6 can help lower cholesterol levels.
- May Help Control Blood Sugar: Some research suggests that certain compounds in eggplant may help regulate blood sugar levels, making it potentially beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition.
- May Aid Weight Loss: Eggplants are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a filling and nutritious option for those trying to lose weight. Including eggplant in your diet can help you feel fuller for longer, potentially reducing overall calorie intake.
- May Improve Brain Health: The anthocyanins found in eggplants have been associated with improved cognitive function and may help protect against age-related declines in brain health.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Some studies suggest that compounds found in eggplants may have anti-inflammatory effects, which could help reduce inflammation in the body and alleviate symptoms of conditions like arthritis.
- Digestive Health: The fiber content in eggplants can promote digestive health by supporting regular bowel movements and feeding beneficial gut bacteria.
19 Easy Eggplant Appetizer Ideas
22 Global Eggplant Appetizer Recipes
Baked, grilled, chilled or fried, rolled, creamed into dips, chopped into toppings - here 22 recipes the world has given us to prepare the humble, healthy eggplant into delicious, elegant, and easy appetizers!
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