Fragrant Eggplant

(no, there is no fish but it is supposed to taste something like fish)

Serves 4 Radically adapted from Ethnic Cuisine by Elisabeth Rozin

1 large eggplant

4 tbl soy sauce

1 tbl cornstarch

3 tbl dry sherry

3 tbl sugar

1/4 cup distilled white vinegar

1/4 cup water

1 tsp crushed dried red pepper

6 slices ginger, about the size and thickness of a quarter

4 scallions, chopped, separate white and green parts

1. Cut stem end off eggplant. Dice eggplant into small cubes.

Sprinkle eggplant with salt and place in a colander to drain.

Let sit for 15 minutes. Squeeze as much liquid out as possible.

2. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, sugar, vinegar and water.

3. Heat 1 tbl dry sherry in a large skillet or wok. Add red

peppers and stir. Add ginger, white part of scallion. Stir

fry briefly until ginger becomes fragrant. Add the squeezed

eggplant and saute approximately 8-10 minutes, stirring

occasionally, until eggplant is thoroughly cooked. You shouldn't

have any trouble with sticking because the eggplant still

has a bit of moisture in it but if it does, add a little bit

of water or sherry.

4. Add soy sauce mixture and cook over high heat until most of

the liquid is evaporated and eggplant is thoroughly

coated with reduced sauce - about 5 minutes.

5. Combine 2 tbl sherry with cornstarch.

6. Add chopped green part of scallions and sherry mixed with

cornstarch. Stir and cook until thick. Serve hot over plain rice.