Thai Spicy Eggplant with Sweet Basil Recipe

Thai Spicy Eggplant with Sweet Basil

SERVES 2 to 3

30 minutes or fewer

This home-cooked meal probably contains less fat and fewer calories than most carry-outs, and preparing it takes no longer than a pick-up trip to a restaurant. Adapted from Rachael Rays 30-Minute Meals Veggie Meals.

1 cup jasmine rice
2 Tbs. peanut or vegetable oil
½ to 1 tsp. crushed red pepper, or to taste
3 baby eggplants, cubed into bite-sized chunks
1 medium-sized onion, diced
1 medium-sized red bell pepper, seeded and diced
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 Tbs. white vinegar
3 Tbs. dark soy sauce, such as tamari
2 Tbs. dark brown sugar
20 leaves fresh basil, shredded or torn

Cook jasmine rice according to package directions.
Meanwhile, heat a deep skillet or wok-shaped pan over high heat. Add oil and crushed red pepper, and let sizzle for 10 to 15 seconds. Add eggplant, and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes. Add onion, bell pepper and garlic, and stir-fry for 3 minutes more. Add vinegar and soy sauce. Sprinkle with sugar, and toss for 1 or 2 minutes longer.
Remove pan from heat, add basil leaves and toss to combine with eggplant. Serve over hot cooked rice.

Wine Suggestions
The spices in this dish call for a Riesling or Gewerztraminer that’s slightly sweet but won’t overpower the spices. Try the J. Lohr White Riesling or a less sweet but fruity Firestone Gewerz

June 2004