Vegetarian Mapo Eggplant

Vegetarian Mapo Eggplant is a delightful twist on the classic Sichuan dish, featuring tender eggplant infused with bold flavors of garlic, ginger, and spicy bean paste. This comforting meal is perfect for a quick lunch, bringing the essence of Chinese cuisine to your table.

Ingredients

• Eggplant - 300 grams
• Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Ginger - 1 tablespoon, minced
• Red bell pepper - 1 medium, diced
• Green onion - 2 stalks, chopped
• Fermented black beans - 1 tablespoon, rinsed and mashed
• Doubanjiang (spicy bean paste) - 1 tablespoon
• Soy sauce - 1 tablespoon
• Vegetable broth - 100 ml
• Cornstarch - 1 teaspoon
• Water - 2 tablespoons
• Sesame oil - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Pepper - to taste

Steps

1. Wash the eggplant and cut it into 2 cm cubes. Sprinkle with salt and let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the diced red bell pepper and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft.
4. Rinse the salted eggplant under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. Add the eggplant to the skillet and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until it starts to soften.
5. Stir in the mashed fermented black beans and doubanjiang, cooking for another 2 minutes to incorporate the flavors.
6. Add soy sauce and vegetable broth to the skillet, stirring well. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the eggplant to absorb the sauce.
7. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add this to the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
8. Finish with chopped green onions and drizzle with sesame oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 4 g
• Carbs: 28 g
• Fiber: 9 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• Eggplant is rich in antioxidants and helps improve heart health.
• The dish is high in fiber, promoting digestive health.

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