Ma Po Eggplant with Bamboo Shoots

Ma Po Eggplant with Bamboo Shoots is a delicious and healthy Chinese dish that is perfect for any occasion. This dish is a combination of tender eggplant, crunchy bamboo shoots, and flavorful ground pork, all cooked in a spicy and savory sauce. It is a perfect dish for those who love spicy food and want to try something new.

Ingredients:

- 2 medium-sized eggplants, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 can of bamboo shoots, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of chili bean paste
- 1 tablespoon of Sichuan peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1/4 cup of water
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- Green onions, chopped for garnish

Serves: 4

Cooking Tips:

- Use Chinese eggplants for this recipe as they are more tender and have fewer seeds.
- Rinse the eggplants with cold water and pat them dry before cooking to remove any excess moisture.
- Use a non-stick pan or wok to prevent the eggplants from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Adjust the amount of chili bean paste according to your preference for spiciness.

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and water until well combined. Set aside.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula.
3. Add the garlic and ginger to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the eggplant and bamboo shoots to the pan and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the eggplant is tender.
5. Add the soy sauce, chili bean paste, and Sichuan peppercorns to the pan and stir to combine.
6. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the pan and stir until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables and pork.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot with steamed rice.
Appearance and Taste:
Ma Po Eggplant with Bamboo Shoots is a spicy and savory dish that is visually appealing with its vibrant colors of purple eggplant and green onions. The dish has a soft and tender texture from the eggplant and a crunchy texture from the bamboo shoots. The ground pork adds a meaty flavor to the dish, while the spicy and savory sauce ties all the flavors together. This dish is perfect for those who love spicy food and want to try something new.
Type of Dish: Spicy Stir-fry
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Bamboo Shoots, Ground Pork