1. Noodles, Eggplant, & Tomatoes with Crispy Shallots
Soba noodles are our favorite for those warm spring evenings because they’re delicious eaten cool (you don’t have to eat them piping hot like regular wheat pasta). We drizzled a ginger-tamari dressing onto the noodles and tossed them with soft eggplant and sweet tomatoes. The broiler gives you direct heat meaning your vegetables will get a gorgeous char in just a few minutes. Cook, relax, and enjoy!
2. Freeform Eggplant Parmesan with Arugula and Tomatoes
We fell in love with the contrast of textures: a crispy golden crust and a melt-in-your-mouth soft interior. The trick is to season the eggplant with salt and let it sit so it releases some of its liquid. Meanwhile, grated tomato and garlic simmer into our signature 5-minute sauce. Fresh arugula rounds out the meal with a peppery bite. Cook, relax, and enjoy!
3. Pork and Basil Eggplant with Steamed Rice
One of our favorite ways to eat ground pork is extra-crispy, browned in a skillet, and then flavored with a rich sauce of tamari, garlic, ginger, and vinegar. Eggplant, that gorgeous purple globe, gets chopped up and sautéed, adding soft pockets to the mix. Fresh basil is super fragrant and perfumes the dish in all the best ways. Cook, relax, and enjoy!
4. Eggplant Parm Grilled Cheese with Spinach Salad
Grilled what??? That's right, Eggplant Parm Grilled Cheese! We've combined 2 favorite classics and put them on a grill for toasty, ooey-gooey perfection. Using a grill eliminates some of the wickedly delicious fat of frying (don't worry, you won't suffer!) and imparts a bit of smoky goodness. Plus whole-grain bread, while virtuous in theory, lends a nice crisp bite to the sandwich. Cook, relax, and enjoy!
5. Spicy Eggplant Banh Mi with Pickled Carrots and Crunchy Slaw
Banh mi is a classic Vietnamese sandwich, typically filled with pâté, roast pork and lots of refreshing pickled veggies and herbs. The bread has to be just right—soft and chewy on the inside, but crusty on the outside. Our vegetarian version has everything going for it: tender, meaty eggplant; crispy, vinegary strips of pickled carrots; and fresh cilantro. All topped with a creamy, spicy slaw! Cook, relax, and enjoy!
6. Lentils and Smoky Eggplant with Yogurt and Naan Chips
This dish draws on lots of different textures and flavors to make for a satisfying (not to mention, impressive) veggie meal! Eggplant takes on a particularly smoky flavor when broiled, and its meaty texture bulks up the lentils. Red onions and celery bring the crunch, while a creamy yogurt dressing ties it all together. Scoop up the last bites with crispy naan! Cook, relax, and enjoy!
