Thai Vegetarian Spicy Eggplant Plus Grilled

(Updated Version)

Today, we're exploring the world of eggplant and Thai cuisine. Eggplant is not only popular in Thailand but also in Malaysia. I've grown several eggplant plants myself, and while urban gardening has its challenges - sometimes plants unexpectedly leave to heaven despite your best efforts - it’s all part of the process. It can be disheartening, but it’s a reality of urban gardening. Fortunately, I’ve had some success and have managed to grow a good number of eggplants. I often give away the surplus and use the rest in my cooking.

Now, let’s dive into some delicious eggplant recipes. These vegetarian dishes capture the quintessential Thai flavors and are sure to delight your taste buds. Don’t underestimate vegetarian Thai eggplant dishes, and definitely don’t doubt Ms. Nava’s recipes. They keep things simple yet pack a punch, using ingredients you can easily find in your fridge or pantry.

These recipes showcase the versatility of eggplant in Thai cuisine, blending traditional flavors with a fusion twist. Enjoy your cooking.

 

Authentic Thai Style Eggplant

Ingredients

1 medium Chinese eggplant, cut into pieces and arranged as shown in the picture

1 tsp rice flour

1 tsp corn flour

Note: Combine both flours, add salt, and mix together

 

For the Spicy Sauce

1 tbsp dried chili paste

1 medium onion, chopped

1 small ball of tamarind (assam), mixed with 1/2 cup water to extract juice

A small piece of palm sugar

3-4 kaffir lime leaves, thinly sliced

Oil as needed

Salt to taste

 

Method

Toss the eggplant pieces in the flour mixture for a light coating. 

Shake off excess flour.

Heat oil and fry the eggplant until golden brown. 

Remove and set aside.

Leave about 2 tbsp of oil in the pan. 

Sauté the onion and add the chili paste. 

Fry until aromatic.

Pour in the tamarind juice, season with palm sugar and salt, and let it simmer.

Add the fried eggplant and kaffir lime leaves. 

Stir well and dish out.

Thai Fusion Sambal Eggplant
Ingredients

3 small eggplants, cut into small pieces

1 tomato, chopped

1 tbsp dried chili paste

1 tsp garlic paste

2 tsp shallots paste

3 dried red chilies, broken into pieces

Lime juice to taste

Salt to taste

A little water

Oil as needed

 

Method

Sprinkle salt on the eggplant pieces.

Heat oil and fry the eggplant pieces until golden brown.

Remove and set aside.

Leave about 3 tbsp of oil in the pan.

Add the tomato, dried chili paste, garlic paste, shallots paste, and broken chilies.

Cook until the oil splits.

Pour in a little water, season with salt, and stir.

Add the fried eggplant and mix well.

Remove from heat.

Thai Fusion Basil Sour Spicy Eggplant
Ingredients

2 eggplants, sliced into pieces

6 cherry tomatoes, cut in half

1 tbsp chili powder

4 garlic cloves, chopped

4 shallots, chopped

Lime juice to taste

A handful of Thai sweet basil leaves, thinly sliced

1/4 cup water

Salt to taste

3 tbsp oil

 

Method

Heat oil and quickly fry the basil leaves. 

Remove and set aside.

Add the tomatoes, chili powder, garlic, and shallots to the same pan.

Stir and cook until the oil splits.

Add the eggplant and cherry tomatoes. 

Stir and pour in water.

Cook until the eggplant is tender. Season with lime juice and salt. Mix well and serve.

Thai Oven-Grilled Turmeric Eggplant

Ingredients

3 eggplants, cut in half

Turmeric powder

Salt to taste

 

Method

Sprinkle turmeric powder and salt over the eggplant pieces. Rub evenly.

Place the eggplant on a baking tray and grill in the oven until softened and charred on top.