Sichuan Fried Eggplant

1 lb Eggplant

2 c Peanut oil; for deep-frying

---BATTER

--- 1/4 c All-purpose flour

2/3 c -Water

1/4 ts Salt

---SAUCE

--- 1 tb Peanut oil

3 tb Finely chopped scallions

1 tb Finely chopped fresh ginger

2 ts Chili bean sauce

2/3 c Stock (chicken or vegetable)

2 tb wine or dry sherry

1 tb Chinese black vinegar

-OR- cider vinegar 3 tb Tomato paste

2 ts Sugar

2 tb Dark soy sauce

1 ts Cornstarch; mixed with:

1 ts -Water

Cut the eggplant into thin 1-1/2-inch by 3-inch slices. Do not peel them. For the batter mix the flour, water, and salt together in a small bowl, then strain through a fine sieve. Let rest for about 20 minutes. For the sauce, heat a wok or large frying-pan until hot and add the 1 tablespoon of oil. Put in the scallions, ginger, and chili bean sauce and stir-fry for 30 seconds. Then add the stock, rice wine, vinegar, tomato paste, sugar, and soy sauce and continue to cook for 1 minute. Thicken the sauce with the blended cornstarch and cook another minute. Set aside. Heat the oil in a deep-fat fryer or large wok until quite hot. Dip the slices of eggplant into the batter, let the excess batter drip off, then deep-fry. You may have to do this in several batches. Remove from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain well on paper towel. Arrange the eggplant slices on a serving platter, pour the sauce over and serve. Source: Asian Vegetarian Feast - by Ken Hom William Morrow and Company, Inc. - New York ISBN: 0-688-07753-6 Typed for you by Karen Mintzias