Japanese Eggplant With Haricots Verts And Thai Red Curry Recipes

Steps:

• Wrap tofu in several layers of paper towels. Place in a colander in the sink. Set a plate on top of tofu and weigh down with a large, heavy can. Let stand for at least 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, shake cans of coconut milk well prior to opening. Pour 1/2 of 1 can into a large saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Whisk in curry paste until well blended. Add eggplant, onion, and bell pepper, stirring well with a rubber spatula to prevent breaking of tender eggplant during cooking.
• Stir remaining 1 1/2 cans coconut milk, dark brown sugar, tamari, rice vinegar, and salt into the saucepan. Mix well. Increase heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until thickened, about 20 minutes.
• Unwrap tofu and cut into bite-sized cubes. Stir into curry mixture. Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes. Add peas and cook until warm, 1 to 2 minutes more.

Steps:

• Purée chiles, garlic, lemongrass, oil, ginger, cumin, sugar, and 1 tsp. salt in a blender or food processor until smooth. Score cut sides of eggplant in a cross-hatch pattern with the tip of a sharp knife. Coat each eggplant liberally with curry paste; set aside any remaining paste. Let eggplants sit at least 10 minutes and up to 1 hour.
• Prepare a grill for medium-high heat. Lightly season eggplants with salt and grill, turning occasionally, until browned and tender, about 5 minutes per side. Serve with reserved curry paste.
• Marinade can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and chill.

Steps:

• Heat oil in wok or heavy large skillet over high heat until hot. Add eggplant strips and toss to coat with oil. Stir-fry until eggplant strips begin to brown, about 2 minutes. Add haricots verts and stir-fry until eggplant strips are tender and haricots verts are crisp-tender, about 1 minute. Add garlic and ginger and stir-fry 10 seconds. Add miso mixture, soy sauce and curry paste and stir until liquids thicken, about 30 seconds. Transfer to bowl and serve.