Warm Eggplant Salad With Sesame And Shallots

• 1 lb eggplant
• 2 1/2 tablespoons sugar, superfine (castor)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sake or 1 tablespoon very dry sherry
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, coarsely ground
• 2 tablespoons sesame paste or 2 tablespoons no-sugar-added peanut butter
• 1/4 cup shallot (thinly sliced)
• 5 5 fresh mint leaves or 5 basil leaves, cut into strips

1. Cut off stems of eggplant and cut in half lengthwise. Soak in cold water 5 minutes, drain and pat dry. Arrange on a microwave-safe plate, cover with plastic wrap and cook until softened and tender (3-6 minutes). Let stand a few minutes to finish cooking. Or steam eggplant 5-7 minutes or until limp and tender.
2. In a bowl combine sugar, soy sauce, sake (or sherry), vinegar, sesame seeds and sesame paste (or peanut butter).
3. Cut (skinned if desired) eggplant into strips about 1/2 inch wide and 3 inches long. A handful at a time, wrap strips in paper towels and squeeze to get rid of extra water. Mound on serving plate.
4. Drizzle sauce over eggplant, and scatter myoga (or shallots) and shiso (or herbs) on top. Serve warm or at room temperature.
5. For Vegan if using Sake make sure the Sake is Vegan friendly.

eggplant, sugar, soy sauce, sake, rice vinegar, sesame seeds, sesame paste, shallot, mint

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/warm-eggplant-salad-with-sesame-and-shallots-167612 (may not work)