Eggplant is not your average vegetable, because it's actually a berry From the nightshade family, alongside tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes, eggplant is a versatile fruit and can be part of a variety of preparations. Use eggplant in pasta dishes or as a "Meat" Replacement in vegetarian stews. Grill it and layer it with marinara sauce and vegan cheese as your "Pasta" Layer in a vegan lasagna. Although there's a long wait for eggplants to be ready to eat, once this eggplant is done it will become a favorite. First cooked in vinegar, it's similar to an eggplant pickle and takes a flavorful fragrance from fresh garlic and a spicy profile from chili flakes. It has a wonderful texture, making it great for salads and antipasti, and to spread on a fresh baguette. Keep in the fridge for up to a week.