What's the easiest switch you can make for the environment? Eat less meat!

Every week we are exploring vegetarian meals for meat eaters. Cooking with seasonal vegetables can seem really limiting at first, but the possibilities are endless. And it is worth it. Just cutting one day of meat eating out of our diet can keep thousands of pounds of CO2 out of the atmosphere a year. No seriously, it's that big a deal. Plus, it's a great opportunity to have some new adventures and try new things. Just another way to take care of the planet AND make life a little bit better!

It's honesty time. I don't really get eggplant. The boy made me eggplant parmesan once, and it was so good. But it was just so much work, and we have never even talked about doing it again. I know eggplant is an excellent vegetarian ingredient- it is filling and rich with nutrients- but I have one question:

Can you have delicious eggplant without hours of work?

So, I am looking at these recipes to give me some wisdom, and I will only feature ones with relatively short prep times. Because we are looking for sustainable changes here.

Ready for that aubergine goodness? Let's do this. \

from The Iron You

Eggplant and pasta go together, which makes this veggies the perfect substitute for meatballs. These eggplant meatballs from The Iron You looks relatively simple (and super delicious) and you could pop them on top of a pile of spaghetti or next to a salad.

from The Brick Kitchen

If you like something with a little bit of spice, The Brick Kitchen has an amazing Eggplant Shakshuka recipe. It looks easier than you expect and has stellar reviews. You can even add chickpeas if you want it a bit heartier.

from Minimalist Baker

I love how many spicy recipes are inspired by this veggie, and this 30 minute (!!! so easy!!) recipe from Minimalist Baker looks so flavorful. This Jerk spice eggplant combines classic jerk seasonings with delicious vegetarian ingredients. She also has a really simple eggplant bacon recipe.  And I know my kids are in every time we pair things with white rice. For a twist on this, check out this kebab recipe from Went Here 8 This.

from Eat the Gains

These eggplant pizzas from Eat the Gains would be absolutely perfect for kids. I mean, they look like kid-sized pizzas! You cut them up, throw them on the grill, and add her brilliant toppings. This could totally change our mind on eggplant.

from Moroccan Honey Glazed Eggplant

Want another take on eggplant? This Moroccan Honey Glazed Eggplant from Bunsen Burner Bakery has a completely different flavor profile, but doesn't it sound good? Out of the box for our house, but I am really tempted to try it!

from gourmandelle

To be honest, I would hate this recipe from gourmandelle, because I am not an olive person, but I know eggplant and olive is amazing together (even my preschooler likes that combo). If you also love a classic eggplant and olive, this looks like a unique, but not too labor-intensive option to try.

from Tickling Palates

For more spice, you could try this Baingan Bharta recipe from Tickling Palates. If you make it, be sure to invite me over. Totally different, but her recipes are amazing.



What is your favorite eggplant recipe? It's amazing how versatile this vegetable is! So many ideas, without one bite of meat!

Want more vegetarian recipes to try? Awesome! Adding more meatless meals to your diet is such a fun challenge and you can discover so many things you like. Check out this page for all of the Meatless Monday Recipe Round Ups!