### Tasty Soba Noodle Stir-Fry with Eggplant
This recipe presents a wonderful mix of flavors and textures, featuring soba noodles, eggplant, and fresh veggies. It is not only easy to make but also customizable for different dietary preferences.
#### Ingredients:
– Eggplant (aubergine)
– Soba noodles (look for gluten-free choices)
– Broccoli
– Green onions
– Garlic
– Chili
– Spinach
– Sesame seeds
– Fresh cilantro
– Miso (for marinade)
– Cooking oil
– Salt
#### Recipe Notes:
– **Substitutes**: If eggplant isn’t your favorite, mushrooms or tofu can be used as alternatives.
– **Soba Noodles**: Crafted from buckwheat, these noodles are inherently gluten-free. Nonetheless, always check the packaging for any wheat blends if you have gluten sensitivity.
– **Marinade**: The marinade is crafted without acidic components, but you can add a dash of rice vinegar or lemon juice for a zesty flair.
#### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Eggplant**: Dice the eggplant and put it in a well-oiled skillet over medium heat. Add a pinch of salt. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and avert sticking. Add more oil if needed until the eggplant shrinks and gains a golden hue.
2. **Make the Marinade**: In a small bowl, mix the marinade ingredients. Miso can be tough to dissolve; use the back of a teaspoon to crush it and then whisk until it becomes smooth.
3. **Cook the Soba Noodles**: Adhere to the package instructions for preparing the soba noodles. After cooking, rinse them under cold water to eliminate excess starch, keeping them from sticking.
4. **Prepare the Vegetables**: Slice the broccoli into thin stalks and coarsely chop the green onions.
5. **Char the Broccoli**: Once the eggplant is done, transfer it to a bowl. In the same pan, toss in the broccoli, green onions, half a garlic clove, and half of the chili. Char the broccoli for 1-2 minutes on each side.
6. **Combine Ingredients**: Add the eggplant back to the pan and pour in half of the marinade. Stir to mix well.
7. **Add Noodles and Spinach**: Mix in the soba noodles (starting with 2/3 of the noodles for a higher filling-to-noodle ratio) and a handful of spinach. Remove from heat and toss everything 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 a colorful and nutritious meal that can be savored at any time of the day. Modify the ingredients to match your preferences and dietary needs for a tailored cooking experience.