Braised Eggplant In Sesame And Bean Sauce Nasu No Rikyu Ni Recipes

BRAISED EGGPLANT IN SESAME AND BEAN SAUCE (NASU NO RIKYU NI)

Steps:

• Remove the stem and peel the eggplant unless you are sure the skin will not be tough (Japanese miniature eggplants are very sweet with tender skins; if you can find them, just quarter them) Cut the eggplant into 1/2-inch cubes and saute them in the oil over high heat, stirring, until translucent. Pour in the dashi, lower the heat to barely maintain a simmer, and cook for 5 minutes. If you have a dropped lid, use it,; if not, leave a regular lid askew, stirring occasionally.
• In a small saucepan over low heat combine the bean paste, sugar, and sake, stirring until smooth. Stir this sauce into the simmering eggplant and cook for 2 more minutes.
• Dry toast the sesame seeds in a skillet until they are golden. Transfer them to a suribachi (Japanese grinding mortar) and grind them coarsely, or turn them out on a dry cutting board and cut them (as you would mince parsley) to release their aroma. Fold half the sesame seeds into the eggplant mixture, before removing from the heat.
• Enjoy the eggplant warm or at room temperature. Just before serving, garnish with the remaining sesame seeds.

BRAISED EGGPLANT

Steps:

• Chop green onion and put garlic through press; saute in hot oil for 2 minutes.
• Peel and cut eggplant in 3-inch strips. Add to skillet in single layer and cook over high heat until lightly browned on both sides.
• Add broth; cover and simmer about 10 minutes, until eggplant is tender.
• Stir in soy sauce and serve.