Lemongrass Eggplant

Looking for a flavorful and comforting Vietnamese-inspired dish full of aromatic herbs and spices? Look no further than this delightful Lemongrass Eggplant recipe. This dish combines the earthy richness of eggplant with the bright citrusy notes of lemongrass, creating a mouthwatering harmony of flavors that will surely tantalize your taste buds. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring a taste of Vietnam to your dining table!

**Lemongrass Eggplant**

**Ingredients:**
– 2 large eggplants
– 2 stalks of lemongrass
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 red chili, thinly sliced (optional for an extra kick)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Fresh cilantro and Thai basil leaves for garnish
– Cooked jasmine rice for serving

**Instructions:**
1. Begin by preparing the eggplants. Cut the eggplants into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes, and set aside.

2. Peel off the tough outer layers of the lemongrass stalks and finely mince the tender white parts of the stalk. Discard the remaining tough parts.

3. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, fish sauce, and honey to create a flavorful marinade for the eggplant.

4. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and lemongrass, stirring constantly until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

5. Add the eggplant pieces to the pan, stirring well to coat them with the aromatic lemongrass and garlic.

6. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the eggplant and stir to combine. Allow the eggplant to cook and absorb the flavors for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the eggplant is tender.

7. If you like a bit of heat, add the sliced red chili to the pan and stir to incorporate.

8. Once the eggplant is cooked through and soft, remove the pan from the heat.

9. Serve the Lemongrass Eggplant hot over a bed of steamed jasmine rice.

10. Garnish with fresh cilantro and Thai basil leaves for a vibrant pop of color and freshness.

Enjoy the delightful fusion of flavors in this Lemongrass Eggplant dish – a perfect balance of savory and aromatic elements that will transport you to the streets of Vietnam with every bite. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but is also a great way to introduce new and exciting flavors into your home cooking repertoire. Share this dish with loved ones and savor the warmth and comfort it brings to your table.