18 Italian Stuffed Eggplant Vegetarian Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 15, 2024
Italian stuffed eggplant is a delicious and hearty vegetarian dish that is perfect for anyone looking to add more plant-based meals to their diet. This recipe is not only packed with flavor, but it is also a great way to use up any leftover eggplants in your fridge. In this article, we will show you how to make this traditional Italian dish with a vegetarian twist. So put on your apron and get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this mouth-watering stuffed eggplant recipe.
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Eggplants, Salt, Freshly Ground
Eggplants are a staple in Italian cuisine, and this grilled eggplant recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy this versatile vegetable. Simply slice the eggplant, brush with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and grill until tender. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a side of crusty Italian bread for a delicious appetizer or side dish.
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Eggplant Caponata
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Kosher Salt, Olive Oil, Celery, Bulb Fennel
This classic Sicilian dish is a delicious mix of eggplant, tomatoes, and olives, simmered in a sweet and tangy sauce. It's perfect as a topping for bruschetta or as a side dish for grilled meats. To make it even more flavorful, add in some pine nuts and raisins for a touch of sweetness.
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Roasted Eggplant with Ricotta and Mint
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Eggplant, Crumbled Ricotta Salata, Capers
This simple yet elegant dish is bursting with Italian flavors. Roasted eggplant slices are topped with a creamy mixture of ricotta cheese and fresh mint, then baked until golden and bubbly. Serve as a hearty vegetarian main dish or as a side dish for grilled meats.
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Stuffed Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Cooked Rice, Onion, Garlic, Spaghetti Sauce
Stuffed vegetables are a classic Italian dish, and stuffed eggplant is no exception. This recipe calls for ground beef, rice, and tomatoes to create a hearty and flavorful filling. Top with mozzarella cheese and bake until the eggplant is tender and the cheese is melted and golden.
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Italian Stuffed Eggplant (Mozzarella and Tomato)
Main Ingredients: Large Eggplant, Canned Chopped Tomatoes, Garlic, Fresh
This stuffed eggplant recipe is a lighter and fresher take on the traditional version. Instead of a heavy meat and rice filling, this recipe uses a mixture of tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh herbs to create a delicious and healthy dish. Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
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Vegetable Stuffed Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Fresh Mint, Tomatoes, Garlic Cloves, Onion
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, this stuffed eggplant recipe is the perfect choice. The filling is made with a mix of zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, giving it a variety of colors and flavors. Top with parmesan cheese and bake until the eggplant is tender and the filling is hot and bubbly.
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Italian Grilled Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Italian Parsley, Garlic, Olive Oil
This simple recipe is a great way to enjoy the smoky flavor of grilled eggplant. Simply slice the eggplant and marinate it in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs before grilling until tender. Serve as a side dish or add it to a sandwich or salad for a delicious and healthy meal.
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Stuffed Italian Pastries
Main Ingredients: Flour, Fresh Yeast, Dried Yeast, Sugar, Salt, Olive
These delicious pastries are a great way to use up leftover eggplant. The filling is a mixture of eggplant, onions, and Italian sausage, all wrapped up in a flaky puff pastry. Serve as an appetizer or as a main dish with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
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Simple Italian Fried Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Canola, Large Eggs, Flour, Salt
Fried eggplant is a classic Italian dish, and this simple recipe is the perfect way to enjoy it. The eggplant is coated in a mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs, then fried until crispy and golden. Serve with a side of spaghetti and marinara sauce for a complete meal.
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Italian Layered Vegetable Casserole
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Medium Zucchini, Chopped Parsley, Onion
This hearty casserole is packed with layers of eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes, all topped with a layer of bechamel sauce and parmesan cheese. Bake until hot and bubbly for a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for a chilly night.
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Italian Eggplant Ricotta Bake
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Small Onion, Garlic, Eggplant, Large Tomato
This dish is a delicious and healthy twist on traditional lasagna. Instead of noodles, it uses layers of eggplant and a creamy mixture of ricotta cheese, spinach, and Italian herbs. Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese before baking until hot and bubbly.
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Eggplant Cacciatore
Main Ingredients: Italian Eggplant, Olive Oil, Penne Pasta, Cremini
This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for a family dinner. The eggplant is cooked in a rich tomato sauce along with onions, peppers, and mushrooms, and served over a bed of spaghetti. Top with parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for a delicious and comforting meal.
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Italian Eggplant Grilled Cheese
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Sandwich Bread, Butter, Garlic Powder
If you love grilled cheese sandwiches, you'll love this Italian-inspired version. Slices of grilled eggplant are sandwiched between layers of mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and fresh basil before being grilled until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
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Pesto Stuffed Shells
Main Ingredients: Frozen Spinach, Ricotta, Shredded Mozzarella, Basil
These stuffed shells are filled with a delicious mixture of ricotta cheese, pesto, and spinach, making them a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian dish. Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese before baking until hot and bubbly.
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Simple Moist Italian Fried Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Canola, Large Eggs, Flour, Salt
This simple recipe is a delicious way to enjoy fried eggplant without all the extra oil. The eggplant is coated in a mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs, then baked until crispy and golden. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
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Italian-style Antipasto
Main Ingredients: Zucchini, Eggplant, Red Pepper, White Onion, Tomatoes
This traditional Italian appetizer is a great way to showcase the flavors of eggplant. Simply slice the eggplant and grill until tender, then top with a mixture of olives, roasted red peppers, and fresh herbs. Serve with a side of crusty Italian bread for a delicious and easy appetizer.
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Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Shells
Main Ingredients: Jumbo Pasta Shells, Olive Oil, Mushrooms, Garlic
If you're looking for a vegetarian dish that's packed with flavor, these stuffed shells are the perfect choice. The filling is a mix of spinach, mushrooms, and ricotta cheese, all wrapped up in a tender pasta shell. Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese before baking until hot and bubbly.
This unique dish is a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors. The eggplant is cooked with honey, balsamic vinegar, and garlic, then layered with ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. Bake until the cheese is melted and the eggplant is tender for a dish that's sure to impress.
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Pasta alla Norma | Authentic Italian Eggplant Pasta
Main Ingredients: Large Eggplant, Olive Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
This classic Sicilian pasta dish is a must-try for eggplant lovers. The eggplant is cooked in a rich and flavorful sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, and red wine, then tossed with penne pasta and fresh basil. Top with ricotta cheese and parmesan cheese for a delicious and authentic Italian meal.
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Layered Ratatouille
Main Ingredients: Onion, Garlic Cloves, Tomato Puree, Oregano, Crushed
This colorful and flavorful dish is a great way to use up all your summer vegetables. Layer slices of eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, and tomatoes, then top with marinara sauce and parmesan cheese. Bake until the vegetables are tender and the cheese is melted for a dish that's both delicious and beautiful.
Ingredients
Eggplant
The star of this dish, eggplant, is a versatile vegetable that is commonly used in Italian cuisine. It is a great source of fiber and antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to any meal. When selecting eggplants, look for ones that are firm and shiny with no bruises or blemishes.
Vegetarian Filling
To make this dish vegetarian-friendly, we will be using a combination of protein-packed ingredients such as chickpeas, quinoa, and nutritious vegetables like spinach and bell peppers. This filling is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a great option for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Italian Seasonings
To give this dish its traditional Italian flavor, we will be using a combination of aromatic herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme. These herbs not only add a burst of flavor to the dish but also provide numerous health benefits.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant
Start by washing the eggplant and cutting off the stem. Cut the eggplant in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving about a ¼ inch shell. Season with salt and let it sit for 10 minutes to remove any bitterness. Rinse and pat dry.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a pan, sauté onions and garlic until translucent. Add in chopped bell peppers, spinach, chickpeas, and cooked quinoa. Season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Cook until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well combined.
Step 3: Stuff the Eggplant
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Stuff the eggplant halves with the filling mixture and top with grated parmesan cheese. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 25-30 minutes until the eggplant is tender and the filling is heated through.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the stuffed eggplants from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Serve with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
In conclusion, this Italian stuffed eggplant recipe is a must-try for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. It's packed with nutritious ingredients, flavorful Italian seasonings, and is a great way to use up any leftover eggplants. So why not give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family with your cooking skills. Buon appetito!
