Baked Aubergine Recipes Vegetarian Lovers Will Adore

If you’re seeking a delicious and wholesome vegetarian meal, baked aubergine recipes are a must-try! Aubergine, also known as eggplant, is a versatile vegetable that absorbs flavors beautifully and turns delectably tender when roasted.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply looking to add more plant-based dishes to your repertoire, these recipes offer a perfect blend of taste, nutrition, and ease of preparation. From Mediterranean-inspired dishes to spicy, cheesy bakes, aubergine can be the star ingredient for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Baked aubergine recipes are not only bursting with flavor but also pack a nutritious punch. Rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, aubergines make for a heart-healthy, low-calorie option that can be enjoyed any time of the year.

Plus, the baking process enhances the vegetable’s natural sweetness while creating a lovely caramelized texture. In this blog post, you’ll find several creative vegetarian baked aubergine recipes to inspire your next dinner, complete with tips, nutritional info, and serving ideas.

Let’s dive into the wonderful world of baked aubergines!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked aubergine dishes are incredibly satisfying and easy to customize. They offer a rich, meaty texture without any animal products, making them ideal for vegetarians and vegans alike.

The baking process draws out the vegetable’s natural flavors and softens it to perfection, creating a dish that’s both hearty and comforting.

These recipes are perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend meals because they require minimal hands-on time but deliver maximum flavor. They also pair well with a variety of sides and can be served as a main course or a tasty appetizer.

Whether you prefer spicy, cheesy, or herby flavors, baked aubergine can adapt to your taste buds effortlessly.

Moreover, aubergines are budget-friendly and widely available, making these dishes accessible for all home cooks. If you enjoy recipes like our Half Runner Beans Recipe or want to try more vegetarian delights, these baked aubergine recipes will soon become staples in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 medium aubergines (eggplants)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan or vegan cheese alternative
• 1 cup cooked quinoa or couscous (optional, for serving)

Equipment

• Baking tray or roasting pan
• Mixing bowl
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Brush for oil
• Oven preheated to 400°F (200°C)
• Aluminum foil or parchment paper (optional)
• Serving plate

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the aubergines: Wash and cut the aubergines into 1/2-inch thick slices or halves depending on your preference.
3. Salt the aubergine: Lay the aubergine slices on a tray, sprinkle salt over them, and let sit for 15-20 minutes to draw out any bitterness. Rinse and pat dry with paper towels.
4. Make the flavored oil: In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Brush the aubergines: Using a brush, coat each slice generously with the flavored oil mixture on both sides.
6. Arrange on the baking tray: Place the coated aubergine slices in a single layer on the prepared tray. Scatter halved cherry tomatoes around the aubergine slices.
7. Bake: Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping the aubergine slices halfway through. They should be golden brown and tender.
8. Add cheese topping: If using, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese or grated Parmesan over the aubergines in the last 5 minutes of baking to melt slightly.
9. Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top, and serve hot with quinoa, couscous, or crusty bread.

Tips & Variations

For the best texture, avoid over-salting aubergine as it can become too soft. Also, roasting at a high temperature ensures a lovely caramelized finish.

• Stuffed Baked Aubergine: Hollow out halved aubergines and fill them with a mixture of cooked lentils, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs before baking for a hearty meal.
• Spicy Twist: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the olive oil mixture for a kick of heat.
• Cheese Alternatives: Use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
• Herb Variations: Try thyme, rosemary, or za’atar for different aromatic profiles.
• Layered Aubergine Bake: Try a Mediterranean moussaka style by layering aubergine slices with tomato sauce and béchamel (use plant-based milk for vegan).

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Baked aubergine shines as a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with many sides. Serve alongside fluffy couscous, quinoa, or warm, crusty bread for a complete meal.

A crisp green salad is a refreshing accompaniment that balances the richness of the aubergine. For an extra boost of flavor, drizzle some balsamic glaze or tahini sauce over the top.

For a Mediterranean-inspired feast, pair your baked aubergine with dishes like Half Runner Beans Recipe or a fresh tabbouleh salad. If you’re in the mood for something comforting, try it with homemade garlic bread or our Hamburger Bun Sourdough Recipe.

Delicious Baked Aubergine Recipes Vegetarian

Classic Baked Aubergine with Tomato and Feta

This recipe highlights the natural sweetness of aubergine with roasted cherry tomatoes and salty feta cheese. It’s simple yet packed with flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 medium aubergines, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

1. Salt and rest aubergine slices for 20 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.
2. Mix olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Brush over aubergines.
3. Arrange aubergines and cherry tomatoes on a baking tray.
4. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes.
5. Sprinkle feta cheese and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.

Stuffed Baked Aubergine with Lentils and Herbs

This hearty stuffed aubergine recipe is perfect for a filling dinner. Lentils provide protein while herbs and spices enhance the flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 large aubergines, halved
• 1 cup cooked green lentils
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Scoop out the flesh from aubergine halves, chop it finely, and set aside.
3. Sauté onion, garlic, and chopped aubergine flesh in olive oil until softened.
4. Add lentils, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley; cook for 5 minutes.
5. Fill aubergine shells with the lentil mixture.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until aubergines are tender.
7. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley.

Aubergine Parmesan Bake (Vegetarian)

A classic Italian-inspired aubergine bake with layers of tomato sauce, cheese, and basil. This dish is perfect for special occasions or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

• 2 large aubergines, sliced 1/2 inch thick
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Salt aubergine slices and let rest for 20 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.
3. Brush aubergine slices with olive oil and roast for 15 minutes until soft.
4. In a baking dish, layer aubergine slices, marinara sauce, and cheeses.
5. Repeat layers ending with cheese on top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
7. Garnish with fresh basil and serve.

Conclusion

Baked aubergine recipes are a delightful way to bring vibrant flavors and nutritious ingredients to your vegetarian table. Whether you prefer the simplicity of roasted aubergine with garlic and herbs or the richness of a layered aubergine parmesan bake, these recipes provide something for every palate.

They are easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and suitable for any occasion, making aubergine a vegetable worth celebrating in your kitchen.

As you experiment with these recipes, you’ll discover how versatile and satisfying aubergine can be. Don’t hesitate to pair these dishes with other vegetarian favorites like our flavorful Hamburger Bun Sourdough Recipe or indulge your sweet tooth later with the Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe.

Happy cooking!

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