Asian Fusion: Miso Eggplant Pineapple Delight

Exploring Asian Flavors: Miso Glazed Eggplant with Pineapple Salsa

As the days start to get cooler, I find myself gravitating towards warm, comforting dishes with a touch of summer freshness. Today, I’m excited to share a unique recipe that combines the umami richness of miso with the sweetness of pineapple in a delightful marriage of flavors: miso glazed eggplant with pineapple salsa.

To create this dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 Japanese eggplants (approx. 400g)
• 3 tbsp white miso
• 2 tbsp mirin
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 cup diced pineapple (approx. 200g)
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

To bring this dish to life, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

• baking sheet
• mixing bowl
• whisk
• grill pan

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise and score the flesh in a crisscross pattern. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the white miso, mirin, and soy sauce. Brush the miso mixture onto the cut side of the eggplants, ensuring they’re well coated. Place the eggplants on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until tender and slightly caramelized.

While the eggplants are roasting, prepare the pineapple salsa. In a separate bowl, combine the diced pineapple, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors.

Once the eggplants are ready, heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the roasted eggplants cut side down on the grill pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, until grill marks appear.

To serve, place the miso glazed eggplants on a platter and top generously with the pineapple salsa. The sweet and tangy salsa complements the savory miso glaze perfectly, creating a symphony of flavors on your plate.

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings, with each serving weighing around 200g. Each serving is approximately 180 calories.

A tip to elevate this dish even further is to sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for an added nutty crunch. The sesame seeds will add a depth of flavor and texture that will take this dish to the next level.

I hope you enjoy making and savoring this miso glazed eggplant with pineapple salsa as much as I do. Feel free to get creative and make it your own by adding other seasonal fruits or herbs to the salsa. Bon appétit!