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Spicy Eggplant

3.6

(9)

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Serves 6

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds Asian or other small eggplants (each about 1 1/2 inches in diameter)
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 cups water
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons Japanese soy sauce
3 tablespoons mirin
1 1/2 teaspoons instant dashi granules
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes
Garnish: julienne strips of peeled fresh gingerroot, chopped fresh cilantro leaves, and radish sprouts

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Cut eggplants crosswise into 1-inch-thick rounds. In a 5-quart heavy kettle heat 2 tablespoons oil over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking and brown cut sides of eggplant in 2 batches (adding remaining 2 tablespoons oil before second batch), turning eggplant occasionally with tongs.

    Step 2

    In kettle combine eggplant and remaining ingredients. Simmer mixture, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until eggplant is very tender but not falling apart, about 15 minutes. With a slotted spoon carefully transfer eggplant to a bowl. Boil liquid remaining in kettle, skimming froth, until reduced to about 1/2 cup and add sauce to eggplant.

  2. Step 3

    Serve eggplant warm or at room temperature with some sauce and garnished with gingerroot, cilantro, and sprouts.

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