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What to make with eggplant zucchini and squash starts with understanding that these three vegetables are incredibly versatile and can be combined in countless delicious ways.
Whether you’re dealing with a bumper crop from your garden or just grabbed a few extras at the farmer’s market, you’ll be happy to know there are so many options.
From hearty casseroles to light summer salads, the combination of eggplant, zucchini, and squash works beautifully together.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the best dishes to make with eggplant, zucchini, and squash so you can put those veggies to good use.
Let’s dive into some tasty ideas.
What to Make with Eggplant Zucchini and Squash: Classic Dishes
When you’re wondering what to make with eggplant zucchini and squash, the classic dishes are always a safe bet.
These recipes have stood the test of time for good reason.
They bring out the natural flavors of these vegetables in the most satisfying way.
1. Ratatouille
Ratatouille is probably the most famous dish that combines eggplant, zucchini, and squash.
This French Provençal stew is made by sautéing each vegetable separately before combining them with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs.
The result is a rich, flavorful dish that’s perfect as a main course or a side.
You can serve it warm with crusty bread or chilled as a light summer meal.
If you’re asking what to make with eggplant zucchini and squash, ratatouille should be at the top of your list.
2. Vegetable Lasagna
Vegetable lasagna is another excellent option when you’re figuring out what to make with eggplant zucchini and squash.
You can layer slices of roasted eggplant, zucchini, and squash between sheets of pasta, ricotta cheese, and marinara sauce.
The vegetables add a hearty texture that even meat lovers will enjoy.
For a lower-carb version, you can use thin slices of eggplant and zucchini instead of pasta noodles.
Either way, it’s a comforting dish that makes great use of these three vegetables.
3. Grilled Vegetable Platter
Sometimes the simplest answer to what to make with eggplant zucchini and squash is to grill them.
Slice all three vegetables lengthwise, brush them with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.
Grill them for a few minutes on each side until they’re tender and have those beautiful grill marks.
Arrange them on a platter and drizzle with balsamic glaze or a lemon vinaigrette.
This is a fantastic side dish for summer barbecues or a light dinner on its own.
Creative Ways to Cook Eggplant Zucchini and Squash
If you want to get a little more creative with what to make with eggplant zucchini and squash, there are plenty of unique recipes to try.
These vegetables can be transformed into dishes you might not have considered before.
1. Vegetable Fritters
Fritters are a fun and delicious way to use up eggplant, zucchini, and squash.
Grate the vegetables, squeeze out excess moisture, and mix them with flour, eggs, and seasonings.
Pan-fry spoonfuls of the mixture until they’re golden and crispy.
Serve them with a yogurt dipping sauce or a spicy aioli for a tasty appetizer or snack.
This is a great option when you’re not sure what to make with eggplant zucchini and squash but want something different.
2. Stuffed Vegetables
Stuffed vegetables are another creative way to enjoy eggplant, zucchini, and squash.
You can hollow out zucchini and eggplant halves and fill them with a mixture of cooked squash, rice, ground meat, and cheese.
Bake them until the filling is hot and bubbly and the vegetables are tender.
This dish looks impressive and tastes amazing, making it perfect for dinner parties.
It also freezes well, so you can make a big batch and save some for later.
3. Vegetable Curry
A vegetable curry is a flavorful and satisfying answer to what to make with eggplant zucchini and squash.
Cube all three vegetables and simmer them in a coconut milk-based curry sauce with onions, garlic, ginger, and spices.
The eggplant absorbs the flavors beautifully, while the zucchini and squash add a nice texture.
Serve it over steamed rice or with naan bread for a complete meal.
This dish is naturally vegan and gluten-free, so it works for almost any dietary preference.
Tips for Cooking Eggplant Zucchini and Squash Together
Knowing what to make with eggplant zucchini and squash is one thing, but cooking them well together takes a little know-how.
These vegetables have different water contents and cooking times, so here are some tips to help.
1. Salt Your Eggplant First
Eggplant tends to soak up oil like a sponge, so salting it before cooking helps.
Sprinkle sliced eggplant with salt and let it sit for about 30 minutes.
This draws out excess moisture and reduces bitterness.
Pat it dry before cooking, and you’ll get a much better texture in your final dish.
2. Watch the Cooking Times
Zucchini and squash cook faster than eggplant, so keep that in mind.
If you’re cooking them together, add the eggplant first and give it a head start.
Then add the zucchini and squash a few minutes later so everything finishes at the same time.
This prevents the softer vegetables from turning to mush.
3. Don’t Skimp on Seasoning
These vegetables have mild flavors, so they need generous seasoning.
Use plenty of garlic, herbs like basil, thyme, and oregano, and a good quality olive oil.
A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens everything up.
Don’t be shy with salt and pepper either, as they really make the natural flavors pop.
So, What to Make with Eggplant Zucchini and Squash?
What to make with eggplant zucchini and squash really comes down to your personal taste and how much time you have.
Whether you go for a classic ratatouille, a hearty vegetable lasagna, or something more adventurous like fritters or curry, these three vegetables are incredibly forgiving and delicious.
The key is to season them well, watch your cooking times, and don’t be afraid to experiment.
With so many options for what to make with eggplant zucchini and squash, you’ll never run out of ideas for using up your harvest.
So grab those veggies and get cooking.