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Simmered
Aubergine (Eggplant) with Ginger Sauce (Nasu no Ohitashi)
from Kate Pugh
This recipe is slightly adapted from Good Food from a Japanese
Temple, by Soei Yoneda.
The original recipe used 4 x 4-inch (10-cm) aubergines, halved lengthways,
but I can usually only find bigger ones.
The author recommends using Kikkoman soy sauce for all her recipes;
and I agree with her.
It's easier to grate the ginger if it's frozen; and this is also
the best way to keep it fresh (it doesn't lose its flavour, as frozen
garlic can).
This dish can be served hot, at room temperature, or chilled.
To serve hot, slice and dress the aubergine as soon as it's cooled
enough for you to handle.
* Serves 2-4 as a side dish * (depending on how many dishes you
serve) 1 medium aubergine (eggplant) - about 250g (9oz)
- Ginger-Soy Sauce:
- * 1 x 1-inch (2.5cm) cube fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
- * 1 tbsp good-quality Japanese soy sauce (eg Kikkoman)
1. Cut the stem end off the aubergine, but don't trim the blunt end.
Cut the aubergine in half lengthways, then cut each piece across once
so as to make four quarters of roughly the same size - you should
cut much nearer the blunt end.
Bear in mind that the stem ends seem to lose more size in cooking.
2. In a pan wide enough to take all four pieces in a single layer,
bring 600ml (20 fl oz, 2 1/2 cups) water to the boil.
Add the aubergines, skin side down, and reduce the heat.
Simmer for about 5 minutes, turning after about 3 minutes, until
soft but not mushy (test by pricking with a fork).
3. Drain the aubergine pieces and cool on a plate, skin side up
(don't throw away the remaining liquid; use it to make stock).
More liquid will come out as they cool; when cool enough to handle,
press gently with your hand to squeeze out water without crushing
the aubergine.
Avoid squeezing out too much - the aubergine should still be somewhat
moist.
4. When cool, slice each piece lengthwise into 1/8 inch (1/2cm)
pieces.
Arrange slices casually on small dishes or saucers.
Mix ginger-soy sauce and spread on top of the aubergine.
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