17 Italian Pizzeria Eggplant Recipe Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Mar 17, 2024
If you're a fan of Italian cuisine, then you're probably no stranger to the deliciousness of a classic Italian pizza. But have you ever tried adding eggplant to your pizza? This underrated vegetable adds a unique and flavorful twist to your traditional pizza recipe. In this article, we'll give you an inside look at a professional and well-organized pizzeria's special eggplant pizza recipe straight from Italy.
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Eggplants, Salt, Freshly Ground
If you're looking for a delicious and easy way to incorporate more veggies into your diet, look no further than this Italian-style grilled eggplant recipe. The smoky flavors from the grill combine perfectly with the tangy and savory Italian seasonings to create a mouth-watering dish that will leave you wanting more.
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Eggplant Caponata
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Kosher Salt, Olive Oil, Celery, Bulb Fennel
This traditional Sicilian dish is bursting with flavor and can be enjoyed as a side dish or as a main course. It's made with eggplant, onions, tomatoes, and capers, all cooked together in a sweet and tangy sauce. Serve it over pasta, on top of crusty bread, or alongside some grilled chicken for a complete meal.
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Italian Sausages with Ratatouille
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Chopped Onion, Garlic, Zucchini, Eggplant
This hearty and satisfying dish combines the smoky flavors of grilled Italian sausages with a vibrant and colorful ratatouille made with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes. It's a perfect dish for a summer barbecue or a cozy winter dinner.
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Italian Grilled Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Italian Parsley, Garlic, Olive Oil
This simple yet delicious recipe for Italian grilled eggplant is a great way to enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean in the comfort of your own home. The eggplant is grilled to perfection and then topped with a flavorful mixture of tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
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Ratatouille Pizza
Main Ingredients: Zucchini, Yellow Zucchini, Japanese Eggplant, Pizza
Who says pizza has to be unhealthy? This ratatouille pizza is a healthier take on the classic dish, using a whole-wheat crust and topping it with a flavorful mixture of eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes. It's a great option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
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Simple Italian Fried Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Canola, Large Eggs, Flour, Salt
This simple and delicious recipe for fried eggplant is a staple in many Italian households. The eggplant is lightly coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and then fried to crispy perfection. Serve it as a side dish or use it to make a tasty eggplant Parmesan.
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Italian Layered Vegetable Casserole
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Medium Zucchini, Chopped Parsley, Onion
This hearty and flavorful casserole is a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have on hand. Layers of eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes are baked with a savory tomato sauce and topped with a generous amount of cheese for a dish that will satisfy your Italian cravings.
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Scacciata Ragusana | Italian Folded Pizza
Main Ingredients: Semolina Flour, Active Dry Yeast, Water, Olive Oil
This traditional Sicilian dish is a cross between a calzone and a pizza. It's made with a thin layer of dough that is folded over a savory filling of eggplant, tomatoes, and cheese. It's a great option for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
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Italian Eggplant Ricotta Bake
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Small Onion, Garlic, Eggplant, Large Tomato
This creamy and indulgent eggplant bake is a great way to enjoy the flavors of Italy. The eggplant is layered with a mixture of ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, and then baked to perfection. It's a perfect dish for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home.
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Eggplant Cacciatore
Main Ingredients: Italian Eggplant, Olive Oil, Penne Pasta, Cremini
This classic Italian dish is made with tender eggplant, juicy tomatoes, and hearty mushrooms, all simmered together in a flavorful sauce. It's a perfect dish for a busy weeknight as it can be made in just one pot and served over pasta or rice for a complete meal.
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Italian Eggplant Grilled Cheese
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Sandwich Bread, Butter, Garlic Powder
If you're a fan of grilled cheese sandwiches, you have to try this Italian version with grilled eggplant. The eggplant adds a delicious smoky flavor and a touch of sweetness to the sandwich, while the melty cheese and crispy bread make it the ultimate comfort food.
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Eggplant Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Fresh Ground Black
This twist on traditional lasagna swaps out the noodles for slices of grilled eggplant, making it a healthier and lower-carb option. The eggplant adds a delicious meaty texture to the dish, and the layers of cheese and sauce make it a hearty and satisfying meal.
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Simple Moist Italian Fried Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Canola, Large Eggs, Flour, Salt
If you struggle with getting your eggplant to be tender and moist, this recipe is for you. The eggplant is first salted and then patted dry, which helps to draw out any excess moisture and ensures that it cooks up perfectly every time. Serve it as a side dish or use it to make eggplant Parmesan.
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Eggplant Pizza
Main Ingredients: Globe Eggplant, Salt, Olive Oil, Italian Seasoning
This gluten-free and vegetarian pizza is a great option for those looking for a healthier alternative to traditional pizza. The crust is made with a mixture of eggplant, almond flour, and eggs, and then topped with all your favorite pizza toppings for a tasty and guilt-free meal.
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Paleo Italian Breaded Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Large Egg, Arrowroot Flour, Sea Salt, Ground
If you follow a paleo diet, you don't have to miss out on all the delicious Italian flavors. This breaded eggplant recipe is made with almond flour and is completely grain-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Serve it as a side dish or use it to make a tasty eggplant Parmesan.
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Italian Vegetable Casserole
Main Ingredients: Italian Bread, Butter, Italian Sausage, Onion, Cloves
This hearty and flavorful casserole is packed with all your favorite vegetables, including eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes. It's a great way to get your daily dose of veggies and can be served as a side dish or a main course with some crusty bread.
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Eggplant Casserole
Main Ingredients: Chinese Eggplants, Medium Tomatoes, Crushed Tomatoes
This eggplant casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish that is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings. The eggplant is layered with a savory tomato sauce, cheese, and breadcrumbs for a dish that is both comforting and delicious.
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Italian Quinoa Casserole
Main Ingredients: Quinoa, Olive Oil, Vegetable Stock, Eggplant, Coarse
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to traditional pasta dishes, try this Italian quinoa casserole. It's made with protein-packed quinoa, eggplant, bell peppers, and tomatoes, and is topped with a generous amount of cheese for a dish that is both nutritious and delicious.
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Italian-style Antipasto
Main Ingredients: Zucchini, Eggplant, Red Pepper, White Onion, Tomatoes
This colorful and flavorful antipasto platter is a great way to start any Italian meal. It's made with a variety of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables, including eggplant, for a delicious and satisfying appetizer.
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Eggplant Parmesan
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Bread Crumbs, Grated Parmesan Cheese, Egg
No list of Italian eggplant recipes would be complete without the classic eggplant Parmesan. This dish features layers of breaded and fried eggplant, tomato sauce, and cheese, all baked together until bubbly and golden brown. Serve it with a side of pasta for the ultimate comfort food meal.
The Secret to a Perfect Eggplant Pizza
Why Eggplant?
Before we dive into the recipe, let's talk about why eggplant is the perfect addition to your pizza. This versatile vegetable has a rich and earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the tanginess of tomato sauce and the creaminess of melted cheese. It also has a meaty texture, making it a great substitute for meat on a pizza. And let's not forget about its nutritional value – eggplant is loaded with vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for any pizza lover.
Choosing the Right Eggplant
To ensure that your eggplant pizza turns out perfect, it's important to choose the right eggplant. Look for eggplants that are firm, heavy, and have smooth and shiny skin. Avoid eggplants that have soft spots or bruises, as they may have a bitter taste. Also, make sure to pick eggplants that are on the smaller side, as they tend to have fewer seeds and a milder flavor.
Preparing the Eggplant
To prepare the eggplant for your pizza, start by washing it and patting it dry. Cut off the stem and slice the eggplant into thin rounds. Sprinkle some sea salt on both sides of the slices and let them sit for about 15 minutes. This will help to draw out any excess moisture and make the eggplant less bitter. After 15 minutes, rinse off the salt and pat the slices dry.
The Perfect Eggplant Pizza Recipe
Now, it's time for the main event – the eggplant pizza recipe. Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface and place it on a baking sheet. Spread a generous amount of tomato sauce on the dough, leaving some space around the edges. Top it off with your favorite cheese – mozzarella, parmesan, and fontina are all great options. Then, arrange the eggplant slices on top of the cheese, making sure they are evenly distributed.
Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once done, take the pizza out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle some fresh basil on top, slice it up, and enjoy your delicious and unique eggplant pizza!
In conclusion, adding eggplant to your pizza can take it to a whole new level. With this professional and well-organized recipe, you can easily recreate the authentic taste of an Italian pizzeria in the comfort of your own home. So why not give it a try and impress your family and friends with this mouthwatering eggplant pizza?
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