Garlicky Ginger Eggplant Food

ROASTED EGGPLANT WITH GARLIC AND HERBS

Steps:

• Put the eggplant pieces in a large colander and sprinkle all over with the 2 tablespoons kosher salt. Set in the sink to drain for about 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
• Put a baking sheet in the oven to heat for 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, peel and finely chop the shallot and garlic, and push to the side of the cutting board. Chop the parsley, then draw the shallots and garlic in with the herbs and chop them together, until finely chopped. Stir the aromatics and walnut oil together in a serving bowl.
• Toss the purged eggplant with the olive oil and pepper. Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven and brush or drizzle with olive oil. Spread the eggplant out on the pan and return to the oven. Roast until the eggplant is tender yet firm and rich brown, about 30 minutes. Remove from the oven, toss with garlic and herbs. Serve right away or at room temperature.

LIANG BAN QIE ZI (EGGPLANT WITH GARLIC, GINGER AND SCALLIONS)

Steps:

• Set up a wide, deep skillet or wok with a steamer insert, bamboo steamer or stainless steel trivet (see Tip). Find a heatproof plate that fits into your cooking vessel. Add about 1 to 2 inches of water (making sure it won't touch the bottom of the plate), cover with a lid (or sheet pan or aluminum foil) that fully encloses the steamer, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
• Meanwhile, slice the eggplant into ½-inch-thick circles, then slice each disk into ½-inch strips. Arrange the eggplant pieces on the heatproof plate, stacking them but leaving some gaps to allow the steam to reach all sides of the eggplant.
• Carefully place the plate of eggplant into the steamer insert or bamboo steamer, or on top of the trivet. Cover and steam for 9 to12 minutes, until the flesh is easily pierced with a fork, but still firm enough to hold its shape. Carefully transfer the eggplant to a colander set in the sink to cool and drain.
• In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, black vinegar, chile crisp and granulated sugar.
• When the eggplant is cool to the touch, transfer it to a shallow serving bowl or a rimmed plate. Pile the garlic, scallions and ginger in the center of the eggplant; don't scatter.
• In a small pan, heat the oil on medium-high for 2 to 3 minutes; the oil is hot enough if it bubbles when a wooden chopstick or spoon is inserted. Very carefully pour the hot oil over the ginger, garlic and scallions; it will sizzle and become very fragrant.
• Pour the soy sauce mixture over the eggplant. Serve warm, at room temperature or cold, with rice.