But today, I'm actually sharing something that truly surprised me. I decided to order a vegetarian dish, eggplant with garlic sauce (I ordered it mild). I'd never had a Chinese eggplant dish. All the eggplant dishes I'd had are peeled. And the eggplants I buy are such a dark purple, they're nearly black.
When the dish came to the table, it had this gorgeous purple eggplant! I'd never seen an eggplant so brightly colored (plus, it had the peel on). While I was eating, I realized (much to my kids' dismay) that I needed to photograph my plate! ;) So that I could share the beauty of it with you.
And then I got home and did some research. I Googled "Asian eggplant" and came up with a variety that looks just like this! It's called Chinese Eggplant hybrid Purple Charm. You can see a photo of the plant here.
It's so fun to discover a new dish you love. I'll definitely order this again (along with my basil rolls).
I haven't had time to try to make this recipe. I don't even know if I could find this type eggplant in town. So I thought I'd share a couple of links to recipes...
At allrecipes.com
A video on YouTube
One thing I noticed is that the dish I ate had additional vegetables like red and green peppers, and I think I remember sliced carrots and onions. You could add just about anything!
Have you ever seen this extremely purple Chinese eggplant?
My sister grows those. Love them! And I laughed at your kids not appreciating you photographing your plate. Too funny!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you shared!
Virginia, since I got my iPhone back in the spring, they've been mortified at how I'm always photographing my food! LOL When they see me pull out my phone and point it at my plate, they imitate me and say (in a mocking voice), "It's for my food blog." :)
DeleteI've actually had this dish at a Chinese restaurant and I remember loving it too, Missy.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the recipes.
I'm pretty sure they were selling these at our Farmer's Market last week. They didn't say Chinese eggplant, but they looked the same and were definitely that color. I'll have to check this week to see if it's labeled Purple Charm.
With all the cooking and gardening experts here, I wonder if any of you know the answer to this -
I recently was cooking some eggplant I'd bought and when I cut it open, it was really REALLY green inside. I remembered green potatoes being dangerous so I Googled and read that green eggplant is toxic. I figured it was just not ripe enough (though I'd never have guessed by looking at it), but now I'm wondering - how do I know when an eggplant is going to be ripe and not green inside?
Mary! I've never heard of that!! I'm so glad you told us.
DeleteI have heard of the problem in potatoes, and found this great article that explains it:
http://cropwatch.unl.edu/web/potato/greening
Here's a fun article on choosing eggplant that's ripe. And suggests that female eggplants have more seeds and may be more bitter. :)
http://www.samcooks.com/food/vegetables/Eggplant.htm
I've never seen this eggplant before! Although, after seeing the picture, I think I'd grow it just for its looks :)
ReplyDeleteI love Thai food, but haven't found a good restaurant in our new town yet. BUT, I did find an Asian grocery store, so we're on our way!
Jan, you should be all set! We may have an Asian market here, but I doubt it. I had a woman give me some of her Asian squash, and she told me she goes to a market about 45 minutes from here. I'm afraid that may be the closest one.
DeleteWell that's just not right -- the part about females being bitter. :-0
ReplyDeleteThose purple eggplants are the only ones I've seen around here only they call them heirloom something! I've never cooked eggplant, though I've had dishes out and about. I'll have to get brave and try it. And guess what...there's a Thai restaurant right down the street and I've never been. Not once! So what's the difference between Thai food and Chinese food?
LOL, Kav! I agree! :)
DeleteThe main difference I've seen is that lots of Thai dishes have curry, which I love. If you go to the place near you, I'd suggest the Masaman. And ask for it to be mild unless you like really spicy food. That's my favorite dish. Also, if you like noodles, we love to get pad Thai.
And then you MUST try the basil rolls! They're not fried like egg rolls. They're in rice wrapper sheets. Lots of good greens things inside, mostly basil. And rice noodles. And usually shrimp, so be sure to ask them to leave that out. Then you dip in an amazing plumy peanut sauce.
Well, now you have me drooling and I've just finished lunch! Will definitely have to give that restaurant a go! With your recommendations in hand.
DeleteI've seen chinese eggplant but not that bright. Houston has a lot of diversity so it's just a matter of hitting the neighborhood that has stuff!
ReplyDeleteSusanna
Susanna, you should try it, then! See if your cooks up that purple. :)
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately I CANNOT cook asian food - at all! I've messed up so many times I'm afraid to keep trying. can't get the sauce right.
Deletesusanna
Susanna, I've had trouble with the sauces, too. Do you usually follow a recipe? I know the times I've messed up I've usually been winging it, trying to come up with the ingredients on my own.
ReplyDeletewell I've tried followng a recipe..tried winging it...and tried so many jarred sauces it's unreal. now I"m wanting chinese buffet..sigh...
DeleteSusanna
Hi eveгyone, іt's my first pay a visit at this site, and paragraph is in fact fruitful designed for me, keep up posting these articles or reviews.
ReplyDeleteMy site; Tens Unit
Incredible quest theгe. What occurred аfter?
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Fеel free to visіt my web ρage http://www.tensunitsforpain.com
my webpage > tens
Hellо therе! Do you use Twitter? I'd like to follow you if that would be ok. I'm
ReplyDeleteundoubtedly еnjoуing your blοg and look
forwaгd tο new ρosts.
my webрage :: taxi irving tx