Japanese Eggplant And Soba Noodles Recipes

SOBA AND HERB SALAD WITH ROASTED EGGPLANT AND PLUOTS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Cover a sheet pan with foil. Place the eggplant in a large bowl and season with salt to taste. Add 2 tablespoons of the oil and toss well. Spread on the baking sheet in an even layer. Place in the oven and roast for 20 minutes, or until the eggplant is soft when you pierce it with a fork and beginning to brown on the edges. It will look dry on the outside surfaces. Remove from the oven and very carefully fold over the foil and crimp the edges so that the eggplant is now contained within a foil envelope, where it will steam and become softer. Set aside until the eggplant cools.
• Meanwhile, cook the soba noodles. When they're done, drain, rinse with cold water, shake well in the colander and transfer to a bowl. Add the sesame oil and stir together.
• Heat a wok or a large heavy frying pan over high heat until a drop of water evaporates within a few seconds when added to the pan. Add 1 tablespoon of the sunflower oil and the tofu. Let sit in the pan to sear for 30 seconds, then stir-fry until lightly browned. Add 1 teaspoon of the soy sauce, toss together, then remove from the heat and add to the noodles. Add the roasted eggplant and the minced chiles, the plums or pluots and all of the chopped herbs if serving right away, half of them if serving later.
• In a small bowl or measuring cup mix together the seasoned wine vinegar, the remaining soy sauce, salt to taste, the lime juice and zest, and the garlic. Whisk in the remaining oil. Taste and adjust seasoning. Toss with the noodle salad and serve.

SOBA SALAD WITH GRILLED EGGPLANT AND TOMATO

Steps:

• Preheat grill for direct heat. Sprinkle eggplant slices generously with salt in a bowl. Let stand 30 minutes; rinse and pat dry.
• Liberally brush cut sides of eggplant and both sides of tomato with safflower oil. Grill, turning occasionally, until tender, about 4 minutes a side. Transfer to a cutting board; when cool enough to handle, cut into 1-inch pieces.
• Meanwhile, cook soba noodles in a pot of boiling water until al dente, according to package directions. Drain, then run under cold water. Shake dry.
• Combine eggplant, tomato, soba noodles, scallions, soy sauce, lemon juice, safflower oil, and sesame oil in a bowl. Season with salt. Refrigerate 1 hour. Stir in cilantro just before serving.