The $2.99 Trader Joe's Find I Always Keep Stocked—It's My Go-To

I love entertaining. Whether it’s a monthly book club or Sunday football, I’m pulling out cloth napkins, picking specialty glassware, and building my signature charcuterie board. Sadly, you can’t always plan ahead. If you’re like me, a party can strike at any moment, and you must be prepared! 

As a result, I keep a few special things in the pantry should an impromptu shindig break out. My current go-to is Trader Joe’s Grecian Style Eggplant with Tomatoes. It's a small can, but I'm always surprised how far it can stretch.

Why I Love Trader Joe's Grecian Style Eggplant

Inside, you find soft, creamy eggplant nestled in a bed of spiced, garlicky tomato sauce. Slow-cooked onions and red pepper give the sauce a light sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tender, not at all bitter, eggplant. 

What I love about this little can is its versatility and ease. The eggplant is delicious both warm and at room temperature, so it’s ready to serve right out of the can! Vegan and gluten-free, it conforms to most dietary restrictions but will also surprise guests with a burst of flavor. It's Mediterranean vibes on a TJ’s budget.

How I Use Trader Joe's Grecian Style Eggplant

Here are a few ways I serve it:

• Canapés: Straight out of the can, chop it up a little and dollop onto a toasted baguette or cracker as a canapé. To level it up, sprinkle with a little feta and parsley before serving. Broil for a few minutes until the feta starts to soften and char. 
• Spread/Dip: Heat it in a pan until simmering, then transfer to a bowl and serve with torn pieces or slices of fresh bread or pita. The warm eggplant melts into the soft, chewy bread. 
• Pasta Entree: Boil pasta in a large pot—I recommend something short like rigatoni or farfalle. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of salty, starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside. Add the water and eggplant back to the pot. Bring it to a simmer and break up the eggplant slightly with a wooden spoon. Let simmer until combined and the sauce starts to thicken, about 2 minutes, then add the pasta. Toss to coat, drizzle with olive oil, and serve! Sprinkle with feta or Parmesan if you have it.

With just one can of Grecian Style Eggplant with Tomatoes and a few pantry staples, you’ll be ready to serve an upscale appetizer or entree within minutes.

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