Vegan Sesame Miso Eggplant

Ingredients and Weight:

• 2 large Japanese eggplants (weight around 500g each)
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• 1/3 cup white miso paste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons corn starch
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for frying

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Cut the eggplants into long, thin slices.
3. In a bowl, combine the miso paste, soy sauce, sugar, and garlic. Mix well.
4. In a frying pan, heat the vegetable oil and fry the sesame seeds until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
5. Place the eggplant slices on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until slightly softened.
6. Remove from the oven and brush each eggplant slice with the miso mixture.
7. Return to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes or until the eggplant is tender and the miso starts to caramelize.
8. Mix the corn starch with a little water to make a slurry. Stir this into the miso mixture to make a thin sauce.
9. Garnish the eggplant with the fried sesame seeds and chili flakes (if using).
10. Serve immediately with some steamed rice or quinoa.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: Approx. 250 per serving (based on using the given ingredients)
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 8g

Dish Characteristics:

• Vegan-friendly dish with a rich and savory flavor from the combination of miso and sesame.
• The eggplant is tender and the sauce is sticky and coats the eggplant perfectly.
• A unique dish that combines Japanese and American cooking techniques.

User Comments:

1. "The flavors were amazing! The miso and sesame combination created a rich and complex taste that I really enjoyed."
2. "I love how tender the eggplant was. The baking technique made it so easy to cook without having to deal with raw eggplant texture."
3. "This dish was a hit with my family! The sauce was delicious and the sesame seeds added a nice crunch."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to use Japanese eggplants for this recipe as they are longer and more tender than regular eggplants.
• Adjust the chili flakes according to your preference for spice level.
• You can also use toasted sesame oil instead of vegetable oil for a richer flavor.