Eggplant

Serve this dip with chips, as part of a meze platter, or slather it on grilled chicken thighs or lamb chops.

Spiced grains, roasted peak-season vegetables, and a lemony garlic dressing make this a stand-out side dish that doubles as a satisfying lunch.

We love halloumi’s squeaky texture and ability to take on some char, but torn salted mozzarella would be just as good (just don’t try grilling it).

Roasting the eggplants at a high heat will make the flesh very tender while making the skin a little crispy. This recipe is from Gunpowder, an Indian restaurant in London.

Bush’s® grilled summer veggie and bean bowl with harissa vinaigrette

This saffron-infused, vegetarian version of the traditional savory Iranian rice cake is made with earthy portobello mushrooms and meaty eggplants.

Thin, naturally grain-free chickpea flour pancakes take the place of tortillas in these warmly spiced lamb and eggplant “tacos.”

All your efforts will be rewarded the moment you pull this custardy eggplant slathered in tangy sauce, and a crispy, cheesy top from the oven.

The ingredient list for a curry can be a little daunting with all those spices, but the technique isn’t very far from a pasta sauce: you just toast the whole spices and then move on to a sort of sofrito of onion, garlic, and ginger. From that flavor base, you add tomatoes and whatever veggies you desire. At the end, a quick chutney, really just a rough chopped blend of herbs and coconut, gives the stew a bright pop of flavor (the way a few torn basil leaves make that tomato sauce sing).

This stick-to-your ribs vegetarian dinner is a snap to make: Just hit the prepared pasta section of the grocery store for the gnocchi, roast some eggplant (do this step ahead, if you want), add marinara (store-bought is fine), and top with mozzarella.

Summer squash forms the base of this play on ratatouille, with pan-seared eggplant and cherry tomatoes rounding things out.

Japanese eggplants are smaller, sweeter, and faster-cooking than other types. If using globe eggplants, slice them into half-inch rounds.