Spicy Eggplant

Ingredients and Weight:

• 2 large eggplants (weight varies, aim for about 1-1.5 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons of minced garlic
• 1 red onion, sliced into rings
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced into chunks
• 1 tablespoon of chili flakes or chili powder (adjust according to preference)
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• Salt to taste
• Cooking oil for frying

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 30-40 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Slice the eggplants into rounds, about ½ inch thick.
3. In a large frying pan, heat enough oil to shallow fry the eggplant slices until they turn golden and begin to soften. Remove and set aside.
4. In a separate pan, sauté the garlic, onion, and bell pepper until the onion is translucent.
5. Add the chili flakes or chili powder and stir for a minute to release the spiciness.
6. Pour in the soy sauce, tomato paste, and sugar. Mix well and let it cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
7. Add the fried eggplant slices to the pan and toss gently to combine.
8. Season with salt and let it cook for another 5-10 minutes until the eggplant is fully cooked and the sauce is absorbed.
9. Serve hot with white rice or as a side dish for grilled meat or fish.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 total servings)

• Calories: 150-200 (depending on the amount of oil used for frying)
• Fat: 10-15g
• Carbohydrates: 20-25g
• Protein: 5-7g

Dish Characteristics:

• Spicy and flavorful, with a rich tomato-based sauce.
• The eggplant is cooked to perfection, retaining its texture while absorbing the spicy sauce.
• A dish that pairs well with dishes that need a spicy kick or as a stand-alone side dish.

User Comments:

• "The Spicy Eggplant was a hit! The balance of spiciness and flavor was spot on."
• "The eggplant was cooked to perfection, not too soft and not too hard."
• "I added more chili flakes for extra spice, but overall, it was a great dish."
• "The sauce was really flavorful, definitely a dish I'll make again."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Adjust the amount of chili flakes or chili powder according to your preference for spice level.
• Use a non-stick pan for easier cooking and less oil usage.
• Fry the eggplant in batches if your frying pan is small to ensure even cooking.
• This dish pairs well with dishes that have a strong flavor or a rich sauce to balance out the spiciness.