Eggplant
Baba Ghanoush
(Middle Eastern eggplant dip)
Baba ghanoush is a very popular appetizer and dip in the Middle East. Its smoky, rich flavor of the eggplant goes well with wedges of pita bread or with raw vegetables. Try using it as a sandwich spread or rolled up in wraps. Read more »
Baigan Bhurta
(Indian eggplant and tomatoes)
Baigan bhurta, sometimes spelled baigan bharta, is kind of like an Indian version of the Middle East's baba ghanoush. The eggplant is roasted and the pulp mixed with tomatoes and spices. Serve as a side dish or spread on chapati or naan. Read more »
Ceebu Jen
(Senegalese fish with rice and vegetables)
Ceebu jen (cheh-boo jen) is one of the most popular dishes in Senegal, especially along the coast. A Wolof term meaning "rice and fish," ceebu jen is a tomatoey mix of fish, rice and cooked vegetables that shows a strong resemblance to Spanish paella and Creole jambalaya. A wide variety of vegetables and fish can be used, making ceebu jen an extremely versatile dish. Also spelled thieboudienne, tiéboudienne, thiep bou dien, cep bu jën. Read more »
İmam Bayıldı
(Turkish stuffed eggplant braised in olive oil)
This eggplant dish is one of the most famous dishes of Turkish cuisine. İmam bayıldı means "the imam fainted." Legends abound as to how it got this name. Some say he fainted at the extravagant use of olive oil. Others say he swooned at its delightful flavor. Both will seem just as likely when you try this excellent recipe. Read more »
Kare-Kare
(Filipino oxtail and vegetable stew)
Kare-kare is a rich and meaty Filipino stew of oxtails, green beans and eggplant in a sauce thickened with peanut butter. Served on special occasions or as a Sunday meal, kare-kare is always accompanied by white rice and a bit of sautéed shrimp paste called bagoong alamang. Read more »
Maqluba
(Palestinian rice and eggplant casserole)
Maqluba (مقلوبة) is Arabic for "upside-down," which is how this popular Palestinian dish of rice, eggplant and meat is served. Read more »
Musaka'a
(Palestinian eggplant baked with tomatoes and chickpeas)
Musaqa'a (moo-sa-KAH) is similar to French ratatouille. Though the pronunciation is the same, and both contain eggplant, this vegetarian dish is not the same as Greek moussaka. Also spelled musakka'a or musaqaa. Read more »
Nasu
(Japanese steamed, sliced eggplant)
This dish can be served as part of an assortment of sashimi. Sashimi is normally made with raw fish, but this is a delightful vegetarian substitute with an interesting texture. Read more »
Ratatouille
(French braised eggplant, tomatoes and basil)
Ratatouille is a famous dish from the Provençal region of southern France. It is a perfect dish for late summer when tomatoes, eggplant and zucchini are in season. Serve it hot, cold or at room temperature with grilled meats, fish or just some good, crusty bread. It is also delicious tossed with pasta. Read more »
