Jasmine and Sweet Basil Spicy Eggplant

Jasmine and Sweet Basil Spicy Eggplant Recipe | Thai Vegetarian Dish

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

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

This Jasmine and Sweet Basil Spicy Eggplant recipe is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the unique flavors of jasmine rice, spicy eggplant, and fresh basil. It is a perfect dish for those who enjoy a little kick of heat in their meals.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Asian cuisine, where eggplant is often used in stir-fry dishes for its meaty texture and ability to absorb flavors. The combination of sweet basil and spicy red pepper adds a depth of flavor to the dish that is both satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients

1 cup of jasmine rice
2 tbsp of peanut or vegetable oil
0.5 to 1 tsp of crushed red pepper, or to taste
3 baby eggplants, cubed into bite-sized chunks
1 medium-sized onion, diced
1 medium-sized red bell pepper, seeded and diced
4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
2 tbsp of white vinegar
3 tbsp of dark soy sauce, such as tamari
2 tbsp of dark brown sugar
20 leaves of fresh basil, shredded or torn

How to prepare

Cook the jasmine rice according to the package instructions.
Meanwhile, heat a deep skillet or wok-shaped pan over high heat.
Add oil and crushed red pepper, and let them sizzle for 10 to 15 seconds.
Add eggplant, and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes.
Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and stir-fry for 3 minutes more.
Add vinegar and soy sauce.
Sprinkle with sugar, and toss for 1 or 2 minutes longer.
Remove the pan from heat, add basil leaves, and toss to combine with the eggplant.
Serve over hot cooked rice.

Variations

Add tofu or chicken for added protein
Substitute other vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms
Use different herbs such as cilantro or mint for a different flavor profile

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the eggplant into bite-sized chunks to ensure even cooking.

- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to suit your spice preference.

- Be sure to stir-fry the vegetables quickly over high heat to retain their crispness and flavor.

- Adding the basil leaves at the end of cooking helps to preserve their fresh flavor and aroma.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Jasmine and Sweet Basil Spicy Eggplant over hot cooked jasmine rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying

- Boiling rice

Ingredient Substitutions

Soy sauce can be used instead of tamari

- Regular basil can be used instead of sweet basil

Make Ahead Tips

The vegetables can be chopped ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the dish in a large serving bowl with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves on top for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a light and refreshing cucumber salad or a side of steamed broccoli for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Approximately 350 calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Jasmine rice: 45g per cup

- Onion: 10g per medium-sized onion

- Red bell pepper: 9g per medium-sized pepper

- Brown sugar: 12g per tablespoon

Fats

- Vegetable oil: 14g per 2 tablespoons

Proteins

- Eggplant: 1g per 3 baby eggplants

Vitamins and minerals

Basil: Rich in vitamin K, vitamin A, and manganese

- Garlic: Contains vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese

Alergens

Soy (tamari) may contain soy allergens

Summary

This dish is a good source of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals. It is a flavorful and nutritious meal option.

Summary

This Jasmine and Sweet Basil Spicy Eggplant recipe is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. The combination of spicy eggplant, sweet basil, and jasmine rice creates a flavorful and satisfying dish that is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with excitement. I had always been a lover of eggplant, and the thought of combining it with jasmine and sweet basil in a spicy dish sounded absolutely divine. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I knew that I had to give it a try.

I had acquired this recipe from a dear friend of mine who had traveled to Thailand and had learned it from a local chef. She had passed it on to me with a twinkle in her eye, knowing how much I would appreciate the unique flavors and fragrances that this dish promised.

I gathered all the necessary ingredients - a fresh eggplant, fragrant jasmine rice, sweet basil leaves, red chili peppers, garlic, soy sauce, and a few other seasonings. I set to work, slicing the eggplant into thick rounds and soaking them in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and chili peppers. The aroma that filled my kitchen was intoxicating, a tantalizing blend of spicy, sweet, and savory scents.

As the eggplant marinated, I cooked the jasmine rice until it was fluffy and fragrant. I chopped up the sweet basil leaves and set them aside, ready to add a burst of fresh flavor to the dish. Finally, I heated up a pan and started cooking the marinated eggplant, watching as it softened and caramelized, soaking up all the delicious flavors of the marinade.

Once the eggplant was cooked to perfection, I added in the chopped sweet basil leaves and gave everything a good stir. The fragrance that wafted up from the pan was so enticing that I couldn't resist taking a little taste. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the richness of the eggplant, the heat of the chili peppers, the freshness of the sweet basil. It was a culinary masterpiece.

I plated up a generous serving of jasmine and sweet basil spicy eggplant, garnishing it with a few extra basil leaves for an added touch of freshness. I couldn't wait to dig in and savor every bite of this delicious dish that I had worked so hard to create.

As I sat down to enjoy my meal, I couldn't help but reflect on all the wonderful recipes that I had collected over the years. Each one had a story behind it, a memory of where I had learned it or who had shared it with me. Cooking had always been a way for me to connect with others, to share in the joy of creating something delicious and satisfying.

And as I savored each mouthful of jasmine and sweet basil spicy eggplant, I knew that this recipe would always hold a special place in my heart. It was a reminder of the beauty of culinary exploration, of the joy that comes from trying new flavors and techniques. And it was a testament to the power of food to bring people together, to create memories that would last a lifetime.