4 Long Chinese eggplants
– cut lengthwise – into quarters 2 oz Agar-agar strips (optional)
-=OR=- substitute -Shredded Lettuce- 1 tb Toasted sesame seeds
-(for garnish) —————————–HUNAN VINAIGRETTE—————————– 1 ts Grated ginger
2 Garlic cloves; finely minced
2 Green onions; finely minced
1 tb Coriander leaves, minced
2 tb Soy sauce
1 tb White vinegar
1 ts Chinese hot chili oil
-=(or to taste)=- 1/4 tb Sesame oil
1/3 ts Salt
PLACE THE EGGPLANT in a shallow heat-proof dish and steam over high heat for about 20 minutes or until tender. Test with a fork. Remove. When cooled, tear into thin strips or cut into a 1/2-inch cubes. Refrigerate. In a bowl, cover the optional agar-agar with cold water for 10 seconds or until pliable. Drain, cut into 1-inch lengths and refrigerate. In a small bowl, thoroughly mix together the vinaigrette ingredients. Taste for seasoning. Arrange the agar-agar in a shallow platter. Toss the chilled eggplant with the vinaigrette and scatter over the agar-agar. Garnish with a sprig of coriander and the toasted sesame seeds.