Garlic Eggplant

Garlic Eggplant Recipe: A Flavorful Vegan & Vegetarian Chinese Dish

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegan diet

Introduction

Garlic Eggplant is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a vegetarian meal. The combination of eggplant, garlic, and onions creates a savory and aromatic dish that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Garlic Eggplant is a popular dish in many Asian cuisines, particularly in Chinese and Thai cooking. It is a simple and easy dish to prepare, yet it is packed with bold flavors and textures that make it a favorite among many food enthusiasts.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) eggplant, cut into 0.5-inch cubes
1 large onion, chopped or minced
2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
2 tsp sesame oil (optional)
0.33 cup water
1 tsp sugar
3 tbsp olive oil or vegetable broth
8 cloves minced garlic
1 tbsp mixed chili paste with garlic (or plain chili paste)
0.5 tsp minced ginger (I usually add more than this)

How to prepare

In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, water, and sugar.
Heat a wok and add olive oil, garlic, chili paste, and ginger. Stir constantly for a few seconds.
Add eggplants and onions to the wok.
Pour the soy sauce mixture over the eggplant and toss well.
Add enough water to reach halfway up the eggplant mixture.
Cover the wok tightly and allow it to cook.
Once the eggplant is tender, uncover and continue cooking until most of the remaining sauce has evaporated.
Serve with rice.

Variations

You can add other vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the Garlic Eggplant for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When cooking Garlic Eggplant, it is important to cut the eggplant into evenly sized cubes to ensure even cooking. Additionally, make sure to cook the eggplant until it is tender but not mushy. Stirring constantly while cooking the garlic, chili paste, and ginger will help prevent burning and ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic Eggplant is best served with steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is the best cooking technique for Garlic Eggplant, as it allows the flavors to meld together while keeping the vegetables crisp and tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute soy sauce for tamari, and olive oil for sesame oil in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Garlic Eggplant mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Simply reheat and serve with rice when ready to eat.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Garlic Eggplant with chopped green onions or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Garlic Eggplant pairs well with a light and refreshing cucumber salad or a side of stir-fried greens.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Garlic Eggplant in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Garlic Eggplant contains approximately 150 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

Garlic Eggplant is a low-carb dish, with approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

Garlic Eggplant is a low-fat dish, with approximately 5 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

Garlic Eggplant is a protein-rich dish, with approximately 4 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Garlic Eggplant is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

Alergens

Garlic Eggplant may contain soy and sesame, which are common allergens. Please check for any allergies before consuming this dish.

Summary

Garlic Eggplant is a nutritious and delicious dish that is low in carbs and fats, yet high in protein and vitamins.

Summary

Garlic Eggplant is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for a vegetarian meal. With its bold flavors and aromatic ingredients, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was at a small farmers market in the countryside, where I stumbled upon a stall selling fresh vegetables. Among the colorful array of produce, there was a vibrant purple eggplant that caught my eye. The farmer running the stall noticed my interest and struck up a conversation with me.

He told me that this particular type of eggplant was called a Japanese eggplant, and that it was perfect for making a delicious dish called Garlic Eggplant. Intrigued, I asked him for the recipe and he gladly shared it with me. Little did I know that this recipe would become a staple in my cooking repertoire for years to come.

The farmer explained that the key to making Garlic Eggplant is in the preparation. He showed me how to slice the eggplant into thin rounds and sprinkle them with salt to draw out the bitterness. After letting them sit for a few minutes, he instructed me to rinse the eggplant slices and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Next, he taught me how to make a flavorful garlic sauce by sautéing minced garlic in olive oil until it was fragrant and golden brown. The aroma that filled the air was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

Once the garlic was cooked, the farmer added the eggplant slices to the pan and tossed them in the garlic sauce until they were well-coated. He then covered the pan and let the eggplant cook until it was tender and slightly caramelized.

As I watched him cook, I was amazed at how simple and yet delicious this recipe seemed. The combination of garlic, olive oil, and eggplant created a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

After the eggplant was cooked to perfection, the farmer plated it up and sprinkled it with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice. He handed me a fork and encouraged me to try a bite.

The first taste was pure bliss. The eggplant was silky smooth and melt-in-your-mouth tender, with a subtle hint of garlic that lingered on my palate. I savored each bite, relishing the savory goodness of the dish.

From that day on, Garlic Eggplant became a regular feature on my dinner table. I experimented with different variations of the recipe, adding in ingredients like tomatoes, bell peppers, and mushrooms to create new and exciting flavor combinations.

Over the years, I shared the recipe with friends and family, who all raved about its deliciousness. Each time I made Garlic Eggplant, it brought back memories of that fateful day at the farmers market, where I discovered a new favorite dish that would become a beloved tradition in my home.

As I grew older, I continued to cook and share my love of food with those around me. And though I may have learned many recipes from various places and people over the years, Garlic Eggplant will always hold a special place in my heart as the dish that captured my imagination and sparked my culinary journey.