7 Eggplant Seasoning Recipes That Will Elevate Your Dish

Eggplant is a versatile and delicious vegetable that can be prepared in many different ways.

But, to make your eggplant dish really stand out, you need the right seasoning.

In this article, we’ll show you how to make seven easy and tasty eggplant seasoning recipes that will take your cooking to the next level.

The Importance of Seasoning Your Eggplant

Before we dive into the recipes, it’s important to understand why seasoning your eggplant is so crucial. Here are a few reasons why:

• Eggplants have a naturally mild flavor that can benefit from added spices and herbs.
• Seasoning adds depth and complexity to your dish.
• A well-seasoned eggplant can balance out other bold flavors on your plate.

Now that you know why seasoning is important let’s get started with our recipes!

Recipe 1: Spicy Cajun Eggplant Seasoning

This spicy cajun seasoning will add some heat to any dish.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp dried thyme
• 2 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper, as needed

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Mix well until fully combined.
3. Store in an airtight container for future use.

Serving Ideas:

1. Use as a rub for grilled or baked chicken breasts.
2. Sprinkle over roasted vegetables like zucchini or butternut squash for some extra spice.
3. Toss with cooked quinoa or brown rice for a flavorful side dish.

Recipe 2: Lemon Herb Seasoning

This bright and fresh herb seasoning pairs perfectly with grilled eggplant slices.

Ingredients:

• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
• Salt and black pepper, as needed

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Mix well until fully combined.
3. Rub over eggplant slices before grilling or roasting.

Serving Ideas:

1. Serve grilled eggplant slices on top of a bed of mixed greens with some cherry tomatoes and feta cheese for a delicious salad.
2. Toss roasted eggplant cubes with cooked couscous and chickpeas for an easy vegetarian meal.
3. Use the seasoning to add flavor to baked fish fillets.

Recipe 3: Garlic Parmesan Seasoning

This cheesy garlic seasoning is perfect for topping off a baked eggplant parmesan dish.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• Salt and black pepper, as needed

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl mix together parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Slice eggplants into rounds about half an inch thick.
4. Place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper or silicone mat.
5. Brush each slice with olive oil then sprinkle generously with the prepared seasoning mixture.
6. Bake in preheated oven until golden brown, approximately 20 minutes.

Serving Ideas:

1. Top off baked pasta dishes like lasagna or manicotti with this flavorful seasoning blend.
2. Sprinkle over roasted potatoes for extra garlicky goodness.
3. Use it as a pizza topping along with sliced mushrooms and bell peppers.

Recipe 4: Smoky Paprika Seasoning

This smoky paprika seasoning is perfect for adding depth of flavor to your favorite eggplant dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, as needed

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.
2. Rub over eggplant slices before grilling or roasting.

Serving Ideas:

1. Use it to season roasted bell peppers for a smoky side dish.
2. Add some spice to your scrambled eggs by sprinkling this seasoning blend on top.
3. Toss with cooked chickpeas and olive oil for an easy snack.

Recipe 5: Mediterranean Seasoning

This Mediterranean inspired seasoning pairs perfectly with dishes like moussaka or stuffed eggplants.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and black pepper, as needed

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Mix well until fully combined.
3. Sprinkle over baked or grilled eggplant before serving.

Serving Ideas:

1. Use the seasoning to add flavor to tomato sauce for pasta dishes like spaghetti or fettuccine.
2. Toss with cooked quinoa or couscous along with some cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for a refreshing salad.
3. Serve alongside grilled lamb chops for a flavorful main course.

Recipe 6: Curry Seasoning

This curry-inspired seasoning will add some exotic flair to your dishes.

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp turmeric
• Salt and black pepper, as needed

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Mix well until fully combined.
3. Rub over eggplant slices before grilling or roasting.

Serving Ideas:

1. Use this seasoning blend to add flavor to lentil soup or chickpea curry.
2. Toss with roasted sweet potatoes and carrots for a warming side dish.
3. Add some spice to your scrambled eggs by sprinkling this seasoning on top.

Recipe 7: Italian Seasoning

This flavorful Italian seasoning will add some classic flavors to your eggplant dishes.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp dried basil
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, as needed

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Mix well until fully combined.
3. Sprinkle over baked or grilled eggplant before serving.

Serving Ideas:

1. Use the seasoning blend to make homemade pizza sauce for your favorite pizza recipe.
2. Toss with cooked spaghetti along with some cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese for a simple pasta dish.
3. Use it as a rub for grilled chicken breasts along with some sliced lemons.

5 Tips For Seasoning Eggplants:

Here are five tips that will help you season your eggplants perfectly:

• Always mix your spices together first before adding them to the eggplant so that they are evenly distributed.
• Don’t be afraid of salt! Eggplants can handle more salt than other vegetables because they have a thicker skin and flesh.
• Roasting or grilling is the best way to bring out the natural sweetness of an eggplant which pairs great with savory seasonings like garlic, cumin, or paprika.
• Pair bold spices like cayenne pepper or curry powder with cooling herbs like mint or cilantro for balance.
• Consider marinating your eggplants in olive oil and vinegar before seasoning them for extra flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

All of these seasoning blends can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for future use. They will last up to 6 months in a cool, dry place.

FAQs:

What seasonings go good on eggplant?

Any seasoning that pairs with bold flavors like garlic, paprika, and cumin are great with eggplant. You can also try more delicate herbs like thyme and rosemary or classic Italian spices like basil and oregano.

What flavors go well with eggplant?

Eggplants have a mild flavor so they pair well with bolder flavors like tomato sauce, garlic, onion, and lemon. They also work well with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients like olives or feta cheese.

What herbs go well with eggplant?

Thyme, rosemary, basil and oregano are all great herbs to pair with eggplant. Mint is another herb that works particularly well if you want to add freshness to your dish.

How do you make eggplant taste better?

Roasting or grilling your eggplants brings out their natural sweetness which makes them taste amazing! Pair them with bold spices or fresh herbs for added depth of flavor.