THAI BASIL ROASTED EGGPLANT SPREAD

Cheryl Wixson

Any fragrant basil or aromatic, fresh herb is a good match for this sweet & spicy spread Adapted from a recipe by Deborah Madison

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Ingredients

1 pound eggplant any variety
Olive oil to cover
1 tablespoons ½brown sugar
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2-3 hot peppers finely chopped (jalapenos yield a milder spread)
3 tablespoons sesame oil or peanut oil
3 garlic cloves finely chopped
3 tablespoons finely minced Thai basil
Sea salt and fresh pepper
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Crackers, veggie slices, croutons for serving

Instructions

To roast the eggplant, preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Wash the eggplant, coat with oil and season with salt and pepper. Pierce the flesh several times with a fork. Roast until the skin collapses and middle is soft. Let cool.
Then peel off and discard the skin and save the flesh.
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce and chopped hot peppers. Set aside.
Heat a wok or fry pan over high heat and heat the oil. Add the garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
Add the eggplant and stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
Stir in the sauce, cook for another minute or so. Remove from heat. Stir in the chopped basil. Taste and if necessary, add some salt and pepper.
To serve: Mound the eggplant in a bowl. Garnish the top with fresh herbs. Serve chilled or at room temperature with veggie slices, crackers, pita wedges, chips or croutons.

Notes

Makes about 2 cups

Nutritional analysis per tablespoon spread: 20 calories, less than 1 gram protein, 1 gram carbohydrates, 2 grams fat, 75 mg. sodium, less than 1 gram fiber.