Sesame Roasted Eggplant Thai Food

ROASTED EGGPLANT SALAD WITH SOY, SESAME AND CHARRED PEPPERS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Pour the olive oil into a baking sheet and top with a single layer of eggplant slices. Turn to coat both sides with the oil and sprinkle liberally with salt. Place in the center of the oven and roast until completely tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove and arrange in a single layer on a serving platter.
• Place the peppers directly on the burners of a gas range or grill and char on all sides, rotating with a pair of tongs. Remove from the heat and place them in the refrigerator to cool, 10 minutes. Use a paper towel to wipe off the charred skin. Remove the seeds and slice the pepper flesh into thin strips. Arrange over the top of the eggplant.
• Whisk together the soy, ginger, sesame oil, vinegar and garlic in a medium bowl. Taste for seasoning. Sprinkle the vinaigrette over the eggplant and peppers and top with the sesame seeds.

SESAME EGGPLANT

Steps:

• Cut a Japanese eggplant (which is longer and more slender than the usual hulking kind) into small cubes and steam until tender. Dress with sesame oil, toasted sesame seeds, the juice of half a lemon and salt to taste.

SPICY SESAME EGGPLANT

Steps:

• Heat broiler. Slice eggplant into 3/4-inch-thick rounds; cut each round into 3/4-inch-wide strips. Transfer to a broiler-proof rimmed baking sheet; toss with coarse salt and ground pepper.
• In a small bowl, combine sauce ingredients; drizzle over eggplant, and toss to coat. Spread in an even layer.
• Broil, tossing once, until eggplant is browned and tender, about 15 minutes.

THAI-STYLE ROAST EGGPLANT WITH MINT AND JASMINE RICE

Steps:

• Put the eggplants into a dish. Use a fork to blend the garlic, chiles, soy sauce, sugar, fish sauce and half the oil together in a small bowl until smooth. Pour this over the eggplant fingers to coat them and leave to marinate (if you have the time) for at least 10 minutes.
• Cook the rice according to the package instructions.
• Heat the remaining oil in a large non-stick frying pan. Remove the eggplant fingers from the marinade and slowly fry for 10 minutes over a medium heat until very tender and browned. Add the rest of marinade to the pan and cook until sticky. Add the lime juice to taste.
• Spoon the rice into bowls and top with the sticky eggplant. Scatter with the mint leaves and peanuts and serve

THAI ROASTED EGGPLANT SALAD WITH CILANTRO AND LIME

Steps:

• Cut eggplants in half lengthwise. Cook eggplant strips, skin-side down, on a lightly oiled hot grill until tender and lightly browned, or on a baking sheet in a 400-degree F oven for 15 minutes Set aside to cool.
• Meanwhile, place all remaining ingredients in medium bowl. Cut thick strips of eggplant crosswise into 2-in. chunks and add to the bowl. (May peel eggplant first.) Gently toss well to mix eggplant with seasoning. Garnish salad with cilantro leaves. Serve at room temperature or chilled with all juices.