Aubergine and Courgette Recipes: 15 Delicious Ways to Cook These Mediterranean Favourites
Introduction
If you’re looking for flavour-packed, healthy meals using aubergine (eggplant) and courgette (zucchini), you’re in the right place. These two versatile vegetables are the backbone of many classic dishes, especially in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and plant-based cuisines.
Together, aubergines and courgettes bring texture, depth, and colour to a wide variety of recipes—from grilled sides to hearty traybakes and rich stews. Whether you’re trying to use up a summer glut or simply looking for healthy meat-free inspiration, this guide features 15 delicious aubergine and courgette recipes you’ll want to make again and again.
Why Aubergine and Courgette Are a Perfect Pair
These two vegetables complement each other beautifully:
| Aubergine | Courgette |
|---|---|
| Meaty texture | Light and crisp |
| Absorbs flavours like a sponge | Retains moisture and shape |
| Slightly sweet when cooked | Mild and subtly nutty |
| Ideal for grilling and roasting | Great raw, grilled, or baked |
Their flavour balance and versatility make them perfect for layering, roasting, stuffing, or stir-frying together.
15 Best Aubergine and Courgette Recipes
1. Ratatouille (French Vegetable Stew)
A Mediterranean classic with aubergine, courgette, peppers, tomato, garlic, and thyme—slow cooked until tender and served with crusty bread.
2. Grilled Aubergine & Courgette Platter
Slice thin, brush with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and rosemary, then grill. Serve warm with hummus, pomegranate seeds, and flatbread.
3. Mediterranean Vegetable Pasta Bake
Layer grilled aubergine and courgette with tomato sauce, basil, and mozzarella. Bake until bubbling and golden.
4. Stuffed Aubergine and Courgette Boats
Scoop out the centres and stuff with couscous, chickpeas, tomatoes, and feta. Bake and drizzle with lemon tahini dressing.
5. Courgette and Aubergine Curry
Cook in a tomato-onion base with cumin, coriander, turmeric, and coconut milk. Perfect with basmati rice.
6. Aubergine & Courgette Moussaka
A Greek favourite—layer aubergine and courgette with rich tomato ragu and béchamel sauce. Bake until set and serve with salad.
7. Roasted Aubergine & Courgette Traybake
Toss with garlic, olive oil, paprika, and red onion. Roast until caramelised. Great as a side or tossed into quinoa.
8. Chargrilled Vegetable Wraps
Grill long strips of aubergine and courgette and wrap in flatbreads with tzatziki, olives, and rocket.
9. Middle Eastern Aubergine & Courgette Salad
Roast cubes and mix with tahini, pomegranate molasses, fresh herbs, and lentils.
10. Baked Aubergine & Courgette Parmesan
Layer with marinara sauce and cheese, then bake. A lighter twist on aubergine parmigiana.
11. Courgette, Aubergine & Halloumi Skewers
Perfect for BBQs—alternate cubes on skewers, brush with garlic oil, and grill.
12. One-Pan Couscous with Aubergine & Courgette
Sauté veg with spices, stir in couscous and hot stock, cover and let steam. Add lemon juice and parsley.
13. Aubergine & Courgette Shakshuka
Add chopped veg to a spiced tomato base. Crack in eggs and bake until just set. Serve with pita.
14. Roasted Aubergine & Courgette Pizza
Top homemade or shop-bought dough with tomato sauce, mozzarella, grilled veg, and basil.
15. Courgette & Aubergine Lasagne (Vegan)
Use grilled slices in place of pasta sheets. Layer with lentil ragu and cashew béchamel.
Nutritional Benefits of Aubergine and Courgette
Both vegetables are low in calories, high in fibre, and full of micronutrients.
Aubergine:
- High in nasunin, a powerful antioxidant in the skin
- Good source of potassium and vitamin B6
- Promotes heart health and reduces cholesterol
Courgette:
- Excellent source of vitamin C, manganese, and folate
- Low in carbs and calories
- Promotes hydration and supports digestion
Together, they make an ideal combo for healthy, plant-forward meals.
Cooking Tips for Aubergine and Courgette
- Salt aubergine slices to reduce bitterness and excess moisture
- Don’t overcook courgette—it softens quickly and can go mushy
- Use high heat for roasting to caramelise edges (200–220°C)
- Add herbs like basil, thyme, oregano, or mint for bright flavour
- Finish with a splash of lemon juice or balsamic glaze for acidity
Seasonal Availability
Both vegetables are at their best in late spring through early autumn, making them summer staples for:
- BBQs and grilled salads
- Cold antipasto platters
- Picnic wraps and pasta dishes
- Harvest-friendly vegetarian dinners
Are These Recipes Vegan-Friendly?
Most of the recipes above are vegan or can easily be adapted:
- Replace cheese with vegan mozzarella or nutritional yeast
- Use plant-based yoghurt or tahini sauces
- Skip eggs or replace with tofu scramble or vegan béchamel
Best Herbs and Spices to Pair With
| Cuisine Style | Herbs & Spices |
|---|---|
| Italian | Basil, oregano, garlic, rosemary |
| Middle Eastern | Cumin, coriander, sumac, mint |
| Indian | Turmeric, cumin seeds, garam masala |
| Greek | Dill, lemon, parsley, olive oil |
These additions enhance the natural flavours of aubergine and courgette, bringing boldness to each dish.
Conclusion
Aubergine and courgette are more than just summer staples—they’re the perfect canvas for vibrant, flavour-packed dishes from all over the world. Whether grilled, baked, stuffed, or stewed, these two humble veg come together to create meals that are healthy, hearty, and full of flair.
With the 15 recipes above, you’ll never run out of ideas for how to use up your garden harvest, pack your weekly meals with veg, or impress dinner guests with seasonal simplicity.
Top 10 Questions and Answers About Aubergine and Courgette Recipes
1. Can I cook aubergine and courgette together?
Absolutely! They have similar cooking times and pair beautifully in texture and flavour.
2. Do I need to salt aubergine before cooking?
Salting can reduce bitterness and moisture, especially for older or larger aubergines.
3. Can I freeze cooked aubergine and courgette dishes?
Yes—especially stews, sauces, and lasagnes. Avoid freezing raw courgettes.
4. What spices go well with both?
Cumin, garlic, thyme, oregano, paprika, and turmeric work wonderfully.
5. Is aubergine more filling than courgette?
Yes—aubergine has a denser, meatier texture, making it more satisfying in mains.
6. Can I grill both vegetables?
Yes—just slice thickly and brush with oil. They’re excellent for BBQs or indoor grilling.
7. Are aubergine and courgette keto-friendly?
Courgette is lower in carbs; aubergine is moderate. Both can fit into a low-carb plan in moderation.
8. Can I use these in pasta dishes?
Definitely—try in tomato sauces, layered bakes, or chopped into pasta salads.
9. Are these vegetables good for weight loss?
Yes—both are low in calories, high in fibre, and nutrient-dense.
10. What protein pairs well with aubergine and courgette?
Chickpeas, lentils, tofu, halloumi, feta, or grilled chicken work perfectly.