Eggplant Stuffed With Sesame Peanut Masala Recipes

EGGPLANT STUFFED WITH SESAME-PEANUT MASALA

Steps:

• Using coffee grinder / food processor, separately pulse sesame seeds and peanuts into coarsely ground powders. Remove to a bowl. Add cilantro, sugar, salt, 2 tsp water, garlic, cayenne, and turmeric and mix well with fingers. The mixture should be lumpy--if it isn't, add a few more drops of water. Taste and adjust salt and sugar if needed. Filling should taste slightly sweet and a little salty.
• Leaving stem end intact, make 2 intersecting diagonal cuts on the bottom end of each eggplant. You're basically making an "x." do not cut all the way through. be sure to leave stems on. stuff each "x" with filling, packing it down well. This is easier said than done--it will feel awkward, but just push in as much filling as the eggplant will take, using fingers to gently pry the eggplant open.
• Heat oil in large skillet. Gently place each eggplant in the pan over medium heat. Turn eggplants occasionally till they are each browned on all sides. Don't worry too much if some of the filling spills out.
• Once all eggplants are browned, pour in remaining 1/4 c water, cover, and cook on low till tender, about 15 minute To check doneness, pierce stem end of each eggplant with a small, sharp knife--it should slide easily. The whole eggplant should feel soft to the touch.
• Instead of pan braising it, you may braise the eggplant in the oven if you prefer. Use ovenproof skillet. After browning the eggplant on the stovetop, pour in water, cover, and transfer the skillet to preheated 350 degrees F oven and roast until eggplant is tender, between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on size of eggplant.

INDIAN EGGPLANT STUFFED WITH SESAME PEANUT MASALA

Steps:

• 1. For the filling, use a mini food processor to grind the sesame seeds, peanuts, sugar, salt, turmeric and cayenne to a crumbly texture. Transfer to a bowl and mix in the cilantro and water to create a compact, spreadable mixture. Set aside. 2. Use scissors to trim the eggplant stems so that they are about 1/2 inch long. Use your fingers to remove the green pointy flaps of the eggplant caps. Make a deep cross incision in each eggplant, stopping 1/2-inch short of the stem. To do that, position each one on its side on your cutting board. Hold it down with one hand while you wield the knife with the other hand to make the first horizontal cut. Roll the eggplant 90 degrees and make the second horizontal cut. 3. Use a teaspoon to stuff each eggplant with about 1/8 of the filling. Gently pry open the eggplant, stuff in the filling. Make sure there is filling between each of the cuts. Gently squeeze the eggplant to make the filling sticks and fills the crevices. 4. Pour the oil into a large nonstick skillet over medium heat to film the bottom. When hot, add the eggplants in a single layer. Fry the eggplants for 3 to 4 minutes, turning frequently, to brown them on two sides. Don't fret when some of the filling spills out. Add the remaining 1/4 cup water, cover with a lid or foil, and turn the heat to low. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, turning halfway through, until tender. Pierce with the tip of a knife to test. There will be filling in the skillet bottom. If you want to crisp those bits and serve them with the eggplant, increase the heat to medium high and fry for 1 to 2 minutes, until crisp. Remove from the heat, let the sizzling subside, then transfer to a plate and serve hot or warm.