Aubergine (also known as eggplant) is a vegetable. It is typically purple, though it can also come in other colors like white or green. Aubergines have a mild, slightly bitter taste when raw, but they become tender and develop a rich flavor when cooked.
When cooking aubergines, they are often sautéed, grilled, roasted, or baked, and they tend to absorb flavors from spices, herbs, and oils very well. Some people also salt the flesh of an aubergine before cooking to reduce any bitterness and to draw out excess moisture.