By itself, the taste of eggplant is quite mild. This mildness is exactly what makes it so wonderful for pairing with spices – it can absorb the flavors of foods and seasonings, becoming whatever you want it to be.
Think of eggplant as being like a blank canvas. Today, we’re going to show you which spices go with aubergine/eggplant, so you can turn that blank canvas into a beautiful work of art.
Let’s take a closer look…
1. Basil
First on our list is basil. This peppery herb can be used to perk up a salad or make a piquant sauce. We think it would go well with eggplant’s neutral flavor, thanks to its boldness.
If you really want to make your eggplant explode with flavor, consider trying Thai basil with it.
2. Black Pepper
Pepper is a safe spice to combine with just about any savory dish you can imagine. It can transform the mildness of eggplant into something a little feistier.
3. Cayenne
Want to give your eggplant a burst of heat? Try combining it with cayenne pepper, which has a sweet and fiery flavor you’re not soon to forget.
4. Chili Powder
Chili powder is another fantastic option for those who love a hot temperature in their flavor. Consider adding it to your eggplant when you want something with a nice, smoky taste.
5. Cinnamon
We get that cinnamon seems a little odd to season your eggplant with. We’re not suggesting you use a lot of it, but a little bit of cinnamon with oregano and thyme is a secret Italian hit. The cinnamon will add a faint spicy undertone to the dish.
6. Cloves
Clove is yet another spice that seems random to pair with eggplant. However, in some African dishes, candied eggplant is made with cloves. If you’re interested in turning your eggplant into something sweet, we say give it a try.
You can find an example of a candied eggplant recipe you can turn into a succulent vegan treat here.
7. Coriander
Coriander will transfer an entirely unique flavor to your eggplant. It has the barest floral notes with a pervasive savory undertone. It’s perfect for those who are fans of curry, as it is a predominant curry spice.
Related Article: What Does Ground Coriander Taste Like?
8. Cumin
Cumin is a spice with an incredibly recognizable aroma. It’s popular in Mexican cuisine due to its deep, complex flavor with both sweet and bitter traces. Its powerful taste is what makes it go so well with eggplant’s gentler flavor profile.
9. Garlic Powder
Garlic powder isn’t quite as potent as raw garlic, but you’ll still get a little of garlic’s burn from it. It’s ideal for savory eggplant recipes.
If you’re interested in trying it out, you can whip up this vegan Chinese eggplant with chili garlic sauce recipe. You can use a tiny bit of garlic powder to replace the raw garlic.
10. Mint
The best way to describe the taste of mint is cold. It freshens your breath and makes you feel like you breathed in some icy winter air. You can use mint to give a fresh, uplifting note to your eggplant.
11. Oregano
Oregano and eggplant is a timeless pairing in Italian cuisine. Its savory flavor is excellent for preparing a vegan version of the traditional eggplant parmesan. If that sounds like something you’re craving, you can find a vegan eggplant parmesan recipe here.
Related Article: Why Does Eggplant Turn Brown When Cooked? (And How to Fix It)
12. Paprika
Multi-faceted and complex, paprika is a surprisingly sophisticated spice that will totally transform your eggplant. It’s both sweet and spicy with a bewitching hint of smokiness.
13. Rosemary
Rosemary is an amazing component to savory dinner dishes. Its deep peppery flavor and lingering woody hints are perfect with the faint nutty traces of eggplant.
14. Thyme
Because it’s related to mint, thyme has a slightly minty taste without the same cooling effect as true mint. Thanks to its similarities to mint, you can use it to get those same high notes in your eggplant.
15. Turmeric
Turmeric’s bright orange-gold color is one you’ve probably spotted in many Indian dishes before. It tastes a little bit like mustard and its powerful flavor will certainly boost the taste of your eggplant.
If you don’t have any, here’s where you can find turmeric in the grocery store.
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
