### Tasty Soba Noodle Stir-Fry with Eggplant
Soba noodles, crafted from buckwheat, serve as a flexible and healthy foundation for numerous dishes. This recipe showcases the distinctive tastes of eggplant, broccoli, and spring onions, all united with a straightforward yet delicious marinade. Ideal for a swift weeknight meal, this dish is not just tasty but also customizable for various dietary needs.
#### Ingredients:
– Eggplant (aubergine)
– Soba noodles
– Broccoli
– Spring onions
– Garlic
– Chili
– Spinach
– Sesame seeds
– Fresh coriander
– Marinade (miso-based)
#### Recipe Notes:
– **Substitutions**: If eggplant isn’t your preference, try using mushrooms or tofu for an alternative texture and taste.
– **Gluten-Free Option**: Soba noodles are generally gluten-free, but always verify the packaging for wheat presence if you have a gluten sensitivity.
– **Marinade Adjustments**: The marinade made for this dish is devoid of acidic components, but you can add a dash of rice vinegar or lemon juice for additional zest.
#### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Eggplant**: Dice the eggplant and heat a well-oiled skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle a little salt. Cook for approximately 6-8 minutes, stirring periodically to avoid sticking and to develop a nice color on the edges. Add more oil if needed.
2. **Make the Marinade**: In a small bowl, mix the marinade ingredients. Miso can be challenging to dissolve; use the back of a teaspoon to mash it before whisking until smooth.
3. **Cook the Noodles**: Adhere to the package instructions to prepare the soba noodles. After cooking, rinse them under cold water to eliminate excess starch, which prevents stickiness.
4. **Prepare the Vegetables**: Slice the broccoli into thin pieces and chop the spring onions coarsely.
5. **Char the Broccoli**: After the eggplant has cooked, move it to one side of the skillet. Add the broccoli, spring onions, half a garlic clove, and half of the chili. Char the broccoli for 1-2 minutes on both sides.
6. **Combine Ingredients**: Add the cooked eggplant back to the skillet and toss in half of the marinade. Mix to combine.
7. **Add Noodles and Spinach**: Stir in the soba noodles (starting with two-thirds of them) and a handful of spinach. Remove from heat and combine everything well.
8. **Serve**: Distribute the stir-fry into two bowls. Garnish with sesame seeds, fresh coriander, the remaining chili, and a drizzle of the leftover marinade.
#### Enjoy!
This soba noodle stir-fry offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, creating a fulfilling meal suitable for any night of the week. Feel free to adjust it with your preferred vegetables or proteins for a personalized flair.