There are few foods I take more seriously than eggplant. If I’m not feeling my best just hook me up intravenously to Snowdon Deli‘s eggplant spread, and I’m sure I’ll be miraculously restored. There comes a time however, when variety is called for, and this Eggplant Chinoise is such a time. Feel free to juggle the sweet-salty-tart-spicy-smoky balance to your satisfaction.

Eggplant Chinoise

• 2 eggplant (1½ lbs)
• 1 T olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 T minced ginger
• 1/4 c finely chopped onion
• 1/2 t Asian chili sauce
• 1-2 T low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 T brown sugar
• 1 T unseasoned rice vinegar
• 1/2 t sesame oil

Preheat oven to 420F.

Cut the eggplant lengthwise. Roast cut side down on a baking pan covered with parchment paper for about 30 minutes or until very tender. Cool, then scoop out the flesh. Mash the flesh well, or use a food processor for a quick chop.

In a large skillet over med-high heat, add olive oil. Cook garlic, ginger and onion for about 30 seconds. Add chili, soy sauce, sugar and vinegar, and cook for 30 seconds more. Add eggplant purée to skillet and stir well to blend for 1 minute.

Remove from heat, taste and adjust seasoning to balance the sweet-to-tartness ratio. Stir in sesame oil. Refrigerate several hours. Bring to room temperature before serving. Serve with toasted multigrain bread, and garnish with chopped cilantro or red bell pepper. Serves 6-8.

Eggplant Chinoise Print Ready Recipe

I can’t think of eggplant without remembering my wonderful friend, the eggplant magician, Wanda Cukier. She was a great inspiration and a powerful reminder of what is most important.

Final notes:

• Inspired by Strange Flavour Eggplant from Lottie and Doof.
• Do you know how many Jittery Cook Eggplant Recipes there are?
• Do you know 8 interesting facts about eggplant? Or 16?.

Related articles

• Eggplant Spread (myculinaryjoy.com)
• The Best Eggplant Dish Ever (urbanfoodguy.com)