Spicy Miso Eggplant Stir-Fry

Ingredients

In this South African adaptation of Nasu no miso itame, we infuse the dish with the bold and spicy flavors commonly found in South African cuisine. By incorporating local spices and chili, we elevate the heat level and add a unique twist to the traditional Japanese recipe. We alse have the original recipe for Nasu no miso itame, so you can check it out.

• 2 large eggplants, sliced into bite-sized pieces 2 large eggplants, sliced into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons miso paste 2 tablespoons miso paste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 24g, 12g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the onion and garlic to the pan and sauté until they become translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the sliced eggplant to the pan and cook until it starts to soften.
4. 4.
   In a small bowl, mix together the miso paste, soy sauce, tomato paste, cumin, coriander, paprika, and chili powder.
5. 5.
   Pour the miso mixture over the eggplant and stir well to coat.
6. 6.
   Add the sliced bell peppers to the pan and continue to cook until the vegetables are tender.
7. 7.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Eggplant — To ensure the eggplant cooks evenly, make sure to slice it into bite-sized pieces of similar thickness.
• Miso paste — Use a good quality miso paste for the best flavor. Adjust the amount according to your preference for saltiness.
• Chili powder — Adjust the amount of chili powder based on your desired level of spiciness.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
• If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit it altogether.
• Serve the stir-fry with steamed rice or couscous for a complete meal.
• Feel free to add other vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms for added variety.
• Leftovers can be enjoyed cold as a delicious salad or reheated for a quick and satisfying meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Spicy Miso Eggplant Stir-Fry hot as a main course, accompanied by steamed rice or couscous. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the colorful stir-fry on a large serving platter, allowing the vibrant hues of the eggplant and bell peppers to shine through. Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top for an appealing finishing touch.