What Herbs and Spices Go Well with Eggplant? (15 Options)

If you’re looking to add some flavor to your eggplant dish, you may be wondering what herbs and spices go well with it.

Eggplant is a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in many different ways, so it’s important to choose the right herbs and spices to complement it.

I’ve compiled a list of 15 herbs and spices that go well with eggplant, so you can find the perfect flavor combination for your dish.

Read Also: 7 Eggplant Seasoning Recipes That Will Elevate Your Dish

What Herbs and Spices Go Well with Eggplant?

Eggplant is tender, mild, and sweet, so it takes well to a variety of herbs and spices. Try pairing eggplant with garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, sage, fennel seeds, cumin seeds, red pepper flakes, or black pepper.

You can also experiment with different combinations of these herbs and spices to find what you like best.

Looking for even more ideas?

Then simply keep scrolling!

Here are 15 herbs and spices that go with eggplant:

1. Garlic

Garlic is the superhero of taste.

It goes well with just about everything, including eggplant.

Eggplant can be a tricky vegetable to cook with because it can be quite bland on its own.

Garlic is the perfect ingredient to help liven up eggplant dishes and give them some extra flavor.

When using garlic with eggplant, less is more.

You don’t want to overpower the dish with too much garlic flavor.

A good rule of thumb is to use one clove of garlic for every cup of eggplant that you are cooking.

If you are unsure, start with less and then add more to taste.

You can always add more garlic, but you can’t take it away once it’s in there!

2. Oregano

Oregano has a strong spicy taste with sweet undertones, which makes it the perfect addition to eggplant dishes.

Eggplant can be quite bland on its own, so adding oregano will give it a much-needed flavor boost.

Use about 1 teaspoon of oregano for every pound of eggplant.

Any more than that and the oregano will overpower the dish.

If you’re using dried oregano, then you should use even less because the drying process intensifies the flavors.

Oregano is a versatile herb that goes well with other ingredients commonly used in eggplant dishes, such as tomatoes, garlic, and onions.

3. Basil

Basil is a balance between sweet and savory, which is perfect for eggplant.

This particular herb also has a bit of a peppery flavor to it as well, which can really liven up any dish.

If you are using fresh basil, you will want to use around 1 tablespoon per dish.

If you are using dried basil, you will want to use around 1 teaspoon per dish.

You can adjust the amount to your personal taste but that is a good starting point.

The reason that basil goes so well with eggplant is because of its unique flavor profile.

The sweetness of the basil really complements the eggplant and brings out its natural flavors.

4. Thyme

Thyme dances between earthy and minty flavors, with a touch of lemon.

This herb is incredibly versatile and can go well with many different flavors and dishes.

When it comes to eggplant, thyme brings out the vegetable’s natural sweetness while still allowing the eggplant to be the star of the dish.

Thyme is also a very strong herb, so a little goes a long way.

When using thyme with eggplant, start with just a pinch or two and add more to taste.

You don’t want to overdo it and end up with an overwhelming thyme flavor.

5. Rosemary

Rosemary is lemony and pine-like, which makes it a great choice to use with eggplant.

The herb can be used fresh or dried, and a little goes a long way in terms of flavor.

When using rosemary with eggplant, it is best to use it sparingly at first and then add more to taste.

You don’t want to overwhelm the dish with the herb’s strong flavor.

A little rosemary goes a long way in terms of both flavor and health benefits, making it a great option to use with eggplant.

6. Sage

Sage has a herbal flavor that is earthy and somewhat peppery, making it a perfect complement to eggplant.

When using sage with eggplant, use it sparingly as too much sage can overpower the delicate flavor of the eggplant.

A little sage goes a long way in enhancing the flavor of eggplant dishes.

7. Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds have a sweet, licorice-like taste that goes well with eggplant.

Fennel seeds can be used to add flavor to eggplant dishes, such as ratatouille and roasted eggplant.

When using fennel seeds, it is best to start with a small amount and then adjust to taste.

This is because the flavor of fennel seeds can be quite strong.

Additionally, fennel seeds can be used whole or ground.

If using whole fennel seeds, they should be crushed before being added to the dish.

8. Cumin

Cumin has a slightly sweet and warming taste that goes well with eggplant.

It is often used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine.

When using cumin with eggplant, it is best to start with a small amount and then add more to taste.

Cumin can easily overpower other flavors, so it is important to be careful when using it.

Cumin pairs well with other spices such as chili powder, coriander, and paprika.

Adding a pinch of cumin to your eggplant dish can really elevate the flavors and take it to the next level.

9. Red Pepper Flakes

If you want a little heat with your dish, red pepper flakes are the way to go.

A small amount can go a long way, so start with a little and add more to taste.

Red pepper flakes pair well with eggplant because they add a bit of spice without overwhelming the dish.

Eggplant can be a very mild-tasting vegetable, so adding red pepper flakes is a great way to give it some flavor without overpowering the dish.

If you’re looking for more of a kick, use more red pepper flakes.

But if you want the eggplant to be the star of the show, use less.

In general, using around 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes per pound of eggplant is a good place to start.

But as always, adjust according to your own preferences!

10. Black Pepper

Black pepper hasn’t been as popular as it used to be, but it’s still a great spice to use with eggplant.

Black pepper has a sharp, biting flavor that can really add some dimension to dishes that might be a little bland.

Eggplant can be a tricky vegetable to cook with because it doesn’t have a lot of natural flavor on its own.

That’s why adding black pepper (or any other strong spice) can really help to bring out the flavors of the dish and make it more interesting.

When using black pepper with eggplant, you don’t need to use very much.

A little goes a long way with this particular spice.

Start by adding just a pinch or two and then taste the dish before adding any more.

11. Parsley

Parsley has a clean and peppery flavor that goes well with eggplant.

It is also a very versatile herb that can be used in many different dishes.

Parsley can be used as a garnish, in salads, or even cooked into dishes.

When using parsley with eggplant, it is best to use it sparingly as too much parsley can overwhelm the dish.

A little parsley goes a long way in adding flavor to a dish.

12. Mint

Although mint sounds like a funny addition to eggplant, it actually works quite well with the vegetable.

Mint has a cooling flavor that can help to offset the bitterness of eggplant.

It is also a very fragrant herb, so it can really brighten up a dish.

A little goes a long way with mint, so start with just a small amount and add more to taste.

Mint can be used in cooked dishes or as a garnish.

If you are using it in a cooked dish, add it near the end of cooking so that the flavor does not become too muted.

13. Cilantro

Cilantro is said to have a fresh, zesty flavor that can really brighten up a dish.

It is also a common herb used in many cuisines, such as Mexican, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisine.

Cilantro can be used in many different dishes, but it goes especially well with eggplant.

When using cilantro with eggplant, it is best to use it sparingly as too much of it can overpower the dish.

A little bit of cilantro can go a long way in adding flavor to your dish.

14. Curry Powder

Curry needs no introduction.

It’s a spice that’s used in cuisines all over the world, and for good reason – it’s delicious!

When it comes to eggplant, curry powder is the perfect complement.

The spice brings out the natural sweetness of the eggplant while also adding a depth of flavor that takes the dish to another level.

Curry powder is also incredibly versatile – you can use as much or as little as you like, depending on your preferences.

If you’re looking for a more subtle flavor, start with 1/2 teaspoon.

For a bolder flavor, go up to 1 tablespoon.

No matter how much you use, curry powder is sure to take your eggplant dish to new heights!

15. Turmeric

Turmeric is a combination of earthy and slightly bitter flavors, which makes it the perfect addition to eggplant dishes.

When using turmeric with eggplant, be sure to not add too much as it can quickly overpower the dish.

A good rule of thumb is to start with 1/4 teaspoon and then gradually add more until you reach the desired flavor.