### Tasty Soba Noodle Stir-Fry with Eggplant
This delicious soba noodle stir-fry is an ideal choice for anyone in search of a speedy, healthy meal. Featuring a foundation of gluten-free soba noodles and an assortment of vegetables, this recipe is both fulfilling and amenable to different dietary needs.
#### Ingredients:
– Eggplant, chopped
– Soba noodles (ensure gluten-free labeling)
– Broccoli, sliced into thin pieces
– Green onion, roughly chopped
– Garlic, chopped finely
– Chili pepper, sliced
– Spinach
– Sesame seeds
– Fresh cilantro
– Olive oil
– Miso paste (for the marinade)
– Optional: Rice vinegar or lemon juice
#### Recipe Notes:
– **Vegetable Substitutions**: Should eggplant not be your preference, you can easily replace it with mushrooms or tofu.
– **Soba Noodles**: Crafted from buckwheat, soba noodles are inherently gluten-free. Nonetheless, always double-check the packaging, as some brands may include wheat with buckwheat.
– **Marinade**: The marinade used in this recipe contains no acidic components, but you may opt to include a dash of rice vinegar or lemon juice for added zest if you wish.
#### Instructions:
1. **Cook the Eggplant**: Heat a generously oiled pan over medium heat. Add the chopped eggplant with a sprinkle of salt. Sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring intermittently to avoid sticking. Aim for a lovely color and a reduction in the size of the eggplant.
2. **Prepare the Marinade**: In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the marinade. Miso can be tricky to dissolve; use the back of a teaspoon to mash it, then whisk until it reaches a smooth consistency.
3. **Cook the Soba Noodles**: Adhere to the package directions to prepare the soba noodles. Once ready, rinse them under cold water to eliminate excess starch, which will help prevent stickiness.
4. **Chop the Vegetables**: Slice the broccoli into thin pieces and roughly chop the green onion.
5. **Sauté the Vegetables**: After cooking the eggplant, transfer it to a bowl. In the same pan, add the broccoli, green onions, half a clove of garlic, and half of the chili pepper. Sear the broccoli for 1-2 minutes on each side.
6. **Combine Ingredients**: Place the cooked eggplant back in the pan and pour in half of the marinade. Mix thoroughly to combine.
7. **Incorporate Noodles and Spinach**: Add the soba noodles (beginning with 2/3 of them) and a handful of spinach. Remove from heat and toss all components together.
8. **Serve**: Dish the stir-fry into two bowls. Garnish with sesame seeds, fresh cilantro, the remaining chili, and a drizzle of the remaining marinade.
#### Enjoy!
This soba noodle stir-fry is not only quick to whip up but also brimming with flavor and nutrients. Ideal for a weeknight meal or a meal-prep option, it can be tailored to suit your taste preferences. Savor your culinary masterpiece!