Fiery Eggplant and Tomato Stir-Fry
Experience the bold flavors of this Fiery Eggplant and Tomato Stir-Fry! This delectable dish features tender cubes of Italian eggplant tossed with a medley of aromatic spices, fresh tomatoes, and savory sautéed onions. Perfect as a side or a vegetarian main course, this recipe provides a warm and spicy kick that will satisfy your taste buds. Serve it warm over rice or with crusty bread for a complete meal that is both nutritious and bursting with flavor.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Italian eggplant
1 large (about 1 lb) (cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
Canola oil
3 tablespoons (none)
Onion
1 medium (finely chopped)
Garlic
1 teaspoon (finely grated)
Ginger
1 teaspoon (finely grated)
Ground turmeric
1 teaspoon (none)
Ground cumin
1 teaspoon (none)
Cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
Tomatoes
2 medium (finely chopped)
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the eggplant into 1/2-inch cubes. Sprinkle them with a little salt and set aside to draw out excess moisture.
2
In a large wok, heat canola oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3
Stir in the grated garlic, grated ginger, turmeric, cumin, and cayenne. Sauté the mixture for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly. If necessary, add a few tablespoons of water to prevent sticking and to deglaze the bottom of the pan.
4
Rinse the salted eggplant under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. Add the eggplant cubes, finely chopped tomatoes, salt, and sugar to the wok. Toss everything together until the eggplant is well-coated with the onion-spice mixture.
5
Cover the wok and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the eggplant is tender but not mushy.
6
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving. Enjoy this dish warm, either on its own or as a delicious accompaniment.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fiery Eggplant and Tomato Stir-Fry?
It is a bold and flavorful vegetarian dish featuring tender cubes of Italian eggplant, fresh tomatoes, and aromatic spices like turmeric, cumin, and cayenne.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a completely vegetarian dish and can be served as a meat-free main course or side.
How spicy is this eggplant stir-fry?
The dish has a warm and fiery kick due to the inclusion of one teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
What type of eggplant is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for one large Italian eggplant, approximately one pound in weight.
Why should I salt the eggplant before cooking?
Salting the eggplant cubes helps draw out excess moisture and reduces potential bitterness before they are added to the wok.
How do I prepare the eggplant for this dish?
Cut the eggplant into 1/2-inch cubes, sprinkle with salt, let sit, then rinse under cold water and pat dry before cooking.
What kind of oil should I use for the stir-fry?
The recipe recommends using three tablespoons of canola oil for sautéing.
What aromatics are included in the recipe?
The dish uses a combination of finely chopped onion, grated garlic, and grated ginger for a deep flavor base.
What spices are used in the Fiery Eggplant and Tomato Stir-Fry?
The spice profile includes ground turmeric, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper.
How long do I need to sauté the onions?
The onions should be sautéed for about 5 minutes until they are soft and translucent.
What should I do if the spices stick to the pan?
If the spice mixture begins to stick, add a few tablespoons of water to deglaze the bottom of the pan.
When do I add the tomatoes?
Add the finely chopped tomatoes at the same time as the eggplant cubes, salt, and sugar.
Why is sugar added to this savory dish?
One teaspoon of sugar is added to help balance the acidity of the tomatoes and the heat of the spices.
How long does the eggplant take to cook?
Once covered, the eggplant should cook on medium-low heat for about 10 minutes.
What is the ideal texture for the cooked eggplant?
The eggplant should be tender but still hold its shape, avoiding a mushy consistency.
What are the best serving suggestions for this stir-fry?
It is best served warm over rice or accompanied by crusty bread to soak up the juices.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is a healthy, vegetable-forward dish that is low in processed ingredients.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 11 total ingredients, including the spices and seasonings.
Can I adjust the seasoning at the end?
Yes, you should taste the dish after the eggplant is tender and adjust the salt or spices to your preference.
What size should the eggplant cubes be?
The eggplant should be cut into 1/2-inch cubes for even cooking.
Do I need to peel the eggplant?
The recipe does not require peeling; the skin of Italian eggplant is typically thin enough to eat once cooked.
Can I use a regular skillet if I don't have a wok?
Yes, a large skillet can be used as a substitute for a wok for this stir-fry.
How many tomatoes are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped.
Is this recipe quick to make?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal, taking approximately 20-25 minutes of active cooking time.
What temperature should I cook the onions at?
Onions should be sautéed over medium heat.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Based on the listed ingredients, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I substitute the canola oil?
Yes, you can use other neutral oils like vegetable oil or grapeseed oil if canola oil is unavailable.
How much ginger is needed?
The recipe requires one teaspoon of finely grated ginger.
Should the pan be covered during the final cooking stage?
Yes, you should cover the wok and reduce the heat to medium-low to allow the eggplant to steam until tender.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it a great option for meal planning.