Given the ways you can prepare eggplant—grilled, braised, roasted, stir-fried, sautéed—you’ll never tire of this gorgeous and complex fruit. If you find eggplant’s nutty notes and luscious texture appealing, these recipes will show you how to get the most from this farmers' market staple—however you cook it.

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Eggplant, Heirloom Tomato & Buffalo Mozzarella Stacks

Fresh mozzarella is great at soaking up flavors; in this recipe it’s enlivened by olive oil infused with thyme, marjoram, and lemon. Eat for a light lunch or use as an appetizer.

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Open-face Grilled Eggplant Sandwiches with Olive-Walnut Relish

The succulent texture and nutty flavor of grilled eggplant is complemented here by burrata, a rich cream-filled mozzarella that’s a must-try.

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Lamb Chops & Eggplant with Indian Spices

To maximize flavor, whole cumin and coriander seeds are toasted and coarsely ground before they’re used to season this rustic dish.

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Southeast Asian Grilled Eggplant Salad

This salad is a delicious way to show off the lovely slender shape of Asian eggplants, which readily absorb the ginger-soy dressing that’s spooned over the top.

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Eggplant, Scallop & Broccolini Stir-Fry

Here, Broccolini’s sweet, slightly peppery flavor provides a crisp-tender contrast to the eggplant and scallops. A ginger-chile sauce adds spicy heat.

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Smoky Eggplant & White Bean Dip with Pita Crisps

The flesh of broiled eggplant mixes with a smooth white bean purée to make an irresistible dip with a chunky texture and smoky flavor.

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Grilled Baby Eggplant & Plum Tomatoes with Fresh Basil

Eggplant and tomatoes are often paired because they bring out the best in each other. Add fresh basil and Parmigano-Reggiano and you’ve got a fresh summer starter or side with Italian flare.

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Roasted Ratatouille

Classic French ratatouille is a natural way to pair up colorful Mediterranean vegetables like eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, and zucchini. This updated version allows the vegetables to retain their personalities and uses a mostly hands-off preparation, freeing you up to take care of the rest of dinner.

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Roasted Eggplant & Tomatoes with Tangy Cucumbers and Yogurt

Be the envy of the lunchroom with this easy vegetarian pack-and-tote lunch. All the elements—except for the yogurt—can be left out at room temperature until you’re ready to eat. Your lunch will be all the more flavorful for it.

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Eggplant & Tomato Gratin with Mint, Feta & Olives

As the gratin cooks, the vegetables shrink, releasing their moisture and concentrating their flavor. The finished dish is a hearty blend of flavors that can stand on its own as dinner with some crusty bread, or that can be the perfect side dish for grilled meats.

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Curried Chickpea and Summer Vegetable Stew

Transform fresh tomato sauce into a heavy-on-the-eggplant Indian-style vegetable stew that takes advantage of the season’s bounty.

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