Eggplant Parmesan

• Eggplant Parmesan may be the best-known Italian eggplant dish. It consists of slices of eggplant robed in grated Parmesan cheese and then covered with either a cream sauce or a tomato sauce and baked. Sometimes the eggplant slices are breaded and fried before; sometimes they are grilled. Eggplant Parmesan makes a fine vegetarian entree and needs little more than a green salad to serve as an accompaniment.

Caponata

• Caponata is a mainstay of Sicilian cuisine. In one version, eggplant is stewed in a sweet and sour sauce with raisins and pine nuts to form a chunky relish. In another, the relish is less sweet and prepared with capers, garlic and olives. Caponata can be served warm or at room temperature. Scoop it onto crackers or spoon atop slices of toasted bread for a version of bruschetta. It can also be used as a sauce for fish or meat.

Stuffed Eggplant

• Another traditional Italian method of preparing eggplant is to stuff it with ground meat. Halve the eggplants and scoop out most the flesh; you can chop it and reincorporate it into the stuffing or save it for another use. Use ground beef, lamb,turkey or Italian-style sausage for the stuffing. Seasonings range widely, but breadcrumbs and tomatoes are common additions. For example, sometimes the breadcrumbs are incorporated into the stuffing, meatloaf-style; other times they are sprinkled on top. Sometimes grated cheese or a dollop of tomato sauce is used as a topping instead. The eggplants are then baked at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until they are tender. Serve stuffed eggplant hot, warm or at room temperature as a main course.

Grilled Eggplant

• In Italy, slices of eggplant are marinated in garlic, olive oil and herbs and then grilled over open coals until tender. You can also prepare them on a gas grill over medium-high heat. Like many other Italian eggplant dishes, they can be eaten hot or at room temperature. This is a simple preparation that can be served as an appetizer or side dish. As a variation, top with curls of Parmesan cheese or a spoonful of tomato sauce.