Date: 12/02/2023 12/03/2023
Location: Star Lake Meditation Center
Teacher: Lucy Zhou
Weekly Buddhist Cuisine Menu
Stir-Fried Tomatoes and Eggplant
Summary:
This is a tangy and flavorful vegan stir-fry where eggplant absorbs the rich, sweet tomato sauce, creating a soft and juicy dish that is simple yet delicious.
Ingredients:
Tomatoes 2 (cut into chunks)
Eggplant 2 (sliced or cut into strips)
Red bell pepper 50g (sliced, optional)
Light soy sauce 1.5 tablespoons
Vegetarian oyster sauce 1 tablespoon (optional)
Salt 1/2 teaspoon
White pepper powder to taste (optional)
Five-spice powder 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
Sugar 1/2 tablespoon (to balance acidity)
Cornstarch 1 teaspoon (optional, for slight thickening)
Vegetable oil 2 tablespoons
Water 50ml
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Wash and cut the tomatoes into chunks. Slice the eggplant into pieces or strips. Slice the red bell pepper (if using).
2. Prevent Eggplant from Browning (Optional):
Soak the eggplant in lightly salted water for 10 minutes to prevent oxidation and bitterness. Drain well.
3. Pan-Fry the Eggplant:
Heat 1.5 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the eggplant and pan-fry until soft and slightly golden (about 3 minutes). Remove and set aside.
4. Cook the Tomatoes:
In the same pan, add the tomatoes and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until they become soft and release juices.
5. Season the Dish:
Add light soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce (optional), salt, sugar, white pepper powder (optional), and five-spice powder (optional). Stir well to combine.
6. Simmer with Eggplant:
Add the cooked eggplant back into the pan, stir to coat evenly, then pour in 50ml of water. Cover and let simmer on low heat for 2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
7. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If the sauce is too thin, add cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water), stirring quickly to slightly thicken the sauce.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy. The eggplant is soft and infused with sweet and tangy tomato flavors, making this dish both refreshing and satisfying.
