Grilled Eggplant with Coconut Sauce

Ingredients

In the original Azerbaijani dish, Lechen biringhenas, the eggplant is typically stuffed with a mixture of ground meat, onions, and spices before being baked or fried. However, in this adapted Pascuense version, the eggplant is grilled and served with a creamy coconut sauce, adding a tropical twist to the dish. The flavors and ingredients have been modified to align with the taste preferences and culinary traditions of Pascuense cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Lechen biringhenas, so you can check it out.

• 2 large eggplants 2 large eggplants
• 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons lime juice 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 18g, 10g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. 2.
   Slice the eggplants into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
3. 3.
   In a bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, ground cumin, ground coriander, chili powder, and salt.
4. 4.
   Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with the coconut sauce mixture.
5. 5.
   Place the eggplant slices on the preheated grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
6. 6.
   Remove the grilled eggplant slices from the grill and arrange them on a serving platter.
7. 7.
   Drizzle the remaining coconut sauce over the grilled eggplant slices.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro.
9. 9.
   Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Eggplant — Make sure to choose firm and glossy eggplants without any blemishes. Salting the eggplant slices before grilling can help remove any bitterness.
• Coconut milk — Shake the can of coconut milk well before using to ensure the creamy part is well mixed with the liquid part.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the coconut sauce.
• If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the eggplant slices on a stovetop grill pan or in the oven.
• Serve the grilled eggplant with steamed rice or warm tortillas for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Grilled Eggplant with Coconut Sauce as a main course accompanied by steamed rice or warm tortillas. It can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats or seafood.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled eggplant slices on a platter, drizzle the coconut sauce over them, and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. The vibrant colors of the dish will make it visually appealing and inviting.