Szechuan Aubergines Recipes

SZECHUAN STYLE EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE)

Steps:

• Cook eggplant in 2-3 tbsp oil in a large deep skillet until tender (add a little more oil or water if necessary- it will cook down with the amount of oil stated but with a nicely hot wok, there may be a little smoke involved, but don't worry, turn on the hood exhaust because it just adds to the flavor).
• While eggplant is cooking, mix soy sauce, sugar, and broth together in a small bowl till sugar dissolves.
• Remove eggplant from skillet when cooked and keep warm.
• Heat garlic, red pepper flakes, and ginger in 1 tbsp oil until aromatic.
• Stir in the water chestnuts and half of the scallions along with the eggplant and the soy sauce mixture.
• Stir and cook until the soy sauce is absorbed into the eggplant (this may take several minutes).
• Add the vinegar, sesame oil, and remaining scallions, stirring to mix.
• Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds.

SZECHUAN AUBERGINES

Steps:

• Heat some oil in a wok and fry the aubergine batons until they are brown and blistered and meltingly tender, add more oil if you need to.Add in the mince, if using, and fry for a few minutes until browned and cooked.Add the garlic and stir once or twice then add the bean paste, ginger and sugar and stir-fry for a minute or two.Add the stock and bring to a simmer for a minute. Mix the cornflour with a little water to make a paste, stir this into the aubergine and cook for a minute, then add the vinegar and spring onions and cook for a minute before serving. Sprinkle with a few more spring onions to serve, if you like.