Aubergine Vegan Recipes UK: Delicious Plant-Based Ideas

Aubergine, known as eggplant in other parts of the world, is a wonderfully versatile vegetable that shines in vegan cooking. In the UK, where plant-based diets are growing rapidly, aubergine vegan recipes are becoming kitchen staples thanks to their rich texture and ability to absorb bold flavours.

Whether roasted, grilled, or stewed, aubergines can transform simple dishes into hearty, satisfying meals that everyone will love.

From smoky baba ganoush to spicy aubergine curry, this blog post will explore some fantastic vegan aubergine recipes tailored for UK home cooks. You’ll find them packed with flavour, easy to prepare, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Plus, aubergines are not only delicious but also nutritious, making them a smart choice for a wholesome plant-based diet.

Why You’ll Love These Aubergine Vegan Recipes

Aubergines offer a meaty texture that makes them a fantastic substitute for meat in vegan dishes. They soak up sauces and spices beautifully, providing layers of flavour with every bite.

These recipes are designed to be approachable for all skill levels, using ingredients easily found in UK supermarkets.

Another reason to love these recipes is their flexibility. They work well as main courses, sides, or even as part of a larger meal spread.

Whether you’re craving Mediterranean chargrilled aubergine or a spicy Indian-inspired curry, these dishes deliver comforting, wholesome goodness without any animal products.

Plus, aubergines are low in calories but high in fibre and antioxidants, making these recipes not only tasty but also good for your health.

Ingredients

• 2 medium aubergines, sliced or diced depending on recipe
• 3 tbsp olive oil or any vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp garam masala (optional for curry)
• Fresh herbs: parsley, coriander, or basil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh lemon juice (optional)
• Chopped chillies (optional for heat)
• Cooked rice, couscous, or flatbread for serving

Equipment

• Sharp kitchen knife
• Cutting board
• Large frying pan or skillet
• Baking tray (for roasting)
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons
• Oven (for roasting or baking)

Instructions

Recipe 1: Roasted Aubergine with Spiced Tomato Sauce

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) / 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Slice 2 medium aubergines into thick rounds or cubes. Toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Arrange aubergine pieces on the tray in a single layer. Roast for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway until golden and tender.
4. While aubergines roast, prepare the sauce: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
5. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
6. Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and turmeric. Stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
7. Pour in the canned chopped tomatoes and simmer for 10-15 minutes to thicken. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Once aubergines are roasted, gently combine them with the tomato sauce in the pan, stirring carefully to avoid breaking the pieces.
9. Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top and add a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
10. Serve hot with rice, couscous, or crusty bread.

Recipe 2: Aubergine and Chickpea Curry

1. Dice 2 medium aubergines into bite-sized cubes.
2. In a large pan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add 1 chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp cumin, and 1 tsp garam masala. Cook for 2 minutes.
5. Add the aubergine cubes and cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened.
6. Add 1 can chopped tomatoes and 1 can drained chickpeas. Stir well.
7. Simmer the curry for 15-20 minutes until the aubergines are tender and the sauce thickens.
8. Season with salt, pepper, and chopped fresh coriander.
9. Serve with steamed basmati rice or naan bread.

Recipe 3: Grilled Aubergine with Garlic and Herbs

1. Slice aubergines lengthwise into 1cm thick slices.
2. Brush slices generously with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
4. Grill aubergine slices for 4-5 minutes on each side until charred and soft.
5. Mix 2 tbsp olive oil with 2 cloves minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or oregano).
6. Brush the grilled aubergine with this garlic herb oil.
7. Serve warm as a side dish or layered in sandwiches and wraps.

Tips & Variations

To reduce bitterness in aubergine, sprinkle sliced pieces with salt and leave for 15 minutes, then rinse and pat dry before cooking.

Try adding other vegetables like bell peppers and courgettes to the roasted aubergine recipe for more colour and texture.

For a smoky flavour, use smoked paprika or add a dash of liquid smoke in your tomato sauce. You can also swap chickpeas for lentils in the curry for a different protein source.

If you prefer a creamier curry, stir in some coconut milk towards the end of cooking. For extra spice, add chopped fresh chillies or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

These recipes are also great for meal prep and taste delicious the next day. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These aubergine dishes pair wonderfully with a variety of sides to create a balanced meal. Serve roasted aubergine with fluffy couscous or warm flatbreads for a Mediterranean-inspired feast.

The aubergine and chickpea curry is perfect with steamed basmati rice or vegan naan bread. Adding a side of crunchy salad or pickled vegetables can brighten the meal and add texture contrast.

For a light lunch option, grilled aubergine slices work well layered in sandwiches or wraps with fresh tomato, lettuce, and a smear of hummus or vegan pesto.

For more vegan inspiration, check out the Half Runner Beans Recipe or try baking some Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe for a sweet treat after your meal.

Conclusion

Aubergines are an incredible ingredient for anyone exploring vegan cooking in the UK. Their versatility, flavour absorption, and satisfying texture make them ideal for a wide range of dishes.

Whether you want a quick roast with a spiced tomato sauce, a comforting curry, or a simple grilled side, aubergines can deliver delicious results every time.

These recipes show just how easy it is to create hearty, flavour-packed vegan meals with ingredients you likely already have at home. Plus, aubergines’ nutritional benefits make them a great addition to a balanced diet.

So next time you’re at the market, grab a couple of aubergines and get cooking!

If you enjoyed these recipes, you might also like the Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe or the delightful Glazed Twist Donut Recipe for dessert ideas that complement your plant-based meals.

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