Braised Eggplant Sticks

Braised Eggplant Sticks are a savory, keto-friendly appetizer featuring tender, flavorful eggplant infused with aromatic spices and a rich sauce. Perfectly complemented by a hint of heat, these sticks are a delightful start to any meal.

Ingredients

• Eggplant - 300 grams
• Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 30 ml
• Sesame oil - 15 ml
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Ginger - 1 teaspoon, minced
• Red chili flakes - 1/2 teaspoon
• Stevia or erythritol - 1 teaspoon (optional, for sweetness)
• Green onions - 2, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds - 1 tablespoon (for garnish)
• Salt - to taste
• Pepper - to taste

Steps

1. Start by cutting the eggplant into thick sticks, approximately 1 cm wide.
2. Sprinkle the eggplant sticks with salt and let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Rinse and pat dry.
3. In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the eggplant sticks to the skillet and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften.
5. Pour in the soy sauce, add the red chili flakes, and stevia or erythritol if using. Stir well to coat the eggplant evenly.
6. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low, allowing the eggplant to braise for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
8. Serve the braised eggplant sticks hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Nutrition

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 3 g
• Carbs: 12 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation.
• Low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for a keto diet.

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