A classic of red sauce joints from Sicily to Lower Manhattan, “parmigiana di melanzana” appears on a variety of Italian and Italian-inspired menus throughout Washington.

The recipe might look complex, but this Turkish-inspired dish is actually not difficult to make. and you may already have most of the ingredients on hand. And this dish looks stunning on the plate.

With their smooth, glossy skin and oddly appealing vegetal sexiness, eggplants beckon this time of year. But it can take some know-how to make their texture and taste live up to their appearance. This recipe from the former Soviet Republic of Georgia opens up a whole new world for eggplant lovers and skeptics alike.