If you love eggplants (also known as aubergines in the UK) and want fresh ideas for delicious, meat-free meals, you’re in the right place. Below, you’ll find a round-up of amazing vegetarian recipes inspired by Jamie Oliver’s creative cooking.
From charred parmigiana to crispy katsu curry, each dish highlights the eggplant’s naturally rich flavor and satisfying texture. Enjoy!
1. Charred Aubergine Parmigiana
Smoky, grilled aubergine slices are coated in a crispy cheese crumb and topped with melty mozzarella, jammy tomatoes, and fresh basil. This dish comes together quickly, making it the perfect meat-free treat for any barbecue or grill session.
2. Sticky Miso Aubergine
Aubergine is boiled, steamed, and fried to create a soft yet slightly crisp texture, then coated in a sweet and salty miso glaze. Served with coconut-lime rice, this recipe is ready in under 20 minutes—ideal for a quick burst of flavor on busy evenings.
3. Air-fryer Grilled Mediterranean Veg & Flatbread
Aubergine and courgette become crispy on the outside and tender on the inside when cooked in the air fryer. Paired with homemade flatbread, a punchy olive-tomato dressing, and garlicky yoghurt, you’ll get a taste of the Mediterranean without leaving your kitchen.
4. Smoky Tender Aubergine
Blackened aubergine creates a deep, smoky flavor. Add crispy chickpeas and quick-pickled radishes for brightness, and you’ve got a Levantine-inspired meal that’s both vibrant and comforting—done in just over 20 minutes.
5. Sticky Aubergine And Peanut Salad
Grill aubergine until slightly charred, then coat in a sweet-spicy maple-sriracha glaze. Finish with a creamy peanut sauce, crunchy peanuts, fresh herbs, spring onions, and chili. Serve with rice for a bright, satisfying salad that’s bursting with different textures.
6. Aubergine Flatbreads
These soft, homemade flatbreads are topped with smoky aubergine, tangy olives, and salty feta. Inspired by Greek and Turkish street food, this easy dish offers a delicious blend of flavors—perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
7. Aubergine Parmigiana Burger
Thick aubergine slices are charred, coated in egg and Parmesan, then folded around buffalo mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil. Served in a toasted bun, this recipe transforms classic parmigiana flavors into a fun, handheld burger.
8. Aubergine Katsu Curry
Crispy, panko-covered aubergine meets a silky curry sauce made from onions, carrots, sweet potato, and warming spices. Serve it with quick-pickled radishes for a tangy pop. This Japanese-inspired dish is comforting, flavorful, and perfect for curry nights.
9. Whole Burnt Aubergine
Completely blackened on the outside and soft on the inside, this aubergine is drizzled with a lemon-chili dressing, topped with whipped tahini, and finished with a lightly charred egg yolk (optional). A dramatic, delicious Middle Eastern dish that’s surprisingly simple to make.
10. Moreish Aubergine Salad
Roasting aubergine until it’s tender, then pairing it with a pesto-style dressing of mint, almonds, lemon, honey, and salty olives creates a sweet, sour, and savory meal. Crumbled feta completes the dish. Try it hot or cold for a quick, colorful salad.
11. Scruffy Aubergine Lasagne
Steamed aubergines are crisped up with garlic, chili, and sage, and then simmered in a sweet tomato sauce. Fold in lasagne sheets and top with Cheddar, Parmesan, and a crunchy almond garnish. Baked until golden and bubbly, this is comfort food at its best.
12. My Veggie Moussaka
This recipe layers sweet tomato sauce with chargrilled aubergines and tender potatoes, all topped with a creamy porcini and feta sauce. The rich combination of textures and flavors is baked until golden and bubbling, making it perfect for a comforting meal. Serve it with a lemony green salad for a fresh and zesty finish.
13. Stuffed Curried Aubergines
Stuffed Curried Aubergines is a flavor-packed dish featuring tender finger aubergines stuffed with a rich, spiced tamarind and peanut paste. Cooked with coconut milk, fresh cherry tomatoes, and aromatic curry leaves, this traybake is bursting with bold, vibrant flavors. Serve it with rice, poppadoms, and a dollop of yoghurt for a satisfying and comforting meal.
14. Aubergine & Tomato Rogan Josh
Aubergine & Tomato Rogan Josh is a vibrant vegetable curry featuring tender aubergine halves and juicy tomatoes coated in rich rogan josh spice paste. Topped with a crunchy pistachio crumb and fresh coriander, this dish is packed with flavor and texture.
Serve with rice, and poppadoms, or enjoy it alongside roasted chicken or fish for a versatile and satisfying meal.
15. Joanna Lumley’s Aubergine Kuzi
Joanna Lumley’s Aubergine Kuzi is a rich and aromatic curry with roasted aubergines simmered in a flavorful masala paste. Topped with toasted sultanas, almonds, and fresh chilies, it’s a beautifully spiced dish with a hint of sweetness. Perfect with roti or rice, this curry is truly special and full of heartwarming flavors!