### Tasty Soba Noodle Stir-Fry with Eggplant
This savory soba noodle stir-fry is an enchanting dish that merges the distinct flavor of eggplant with fresh veggies and a tasty marinade. Ideal for a swift weeknight meal or a fulfilling lunch, this recipe is not just tasty but also flexible for different dietary needs.
#### Ingredients:
– Eggplant, chopped
– Soba noodles (ensure gluten-free options are available)
– Broccoli, sliced into thin stalks
– Green onion, roughly chopped
– Garlic, minced (half a clove)
– Chili, sliced (half for cooking, the rest for garnish)
– Spinach
– Sesame seeds
– Fresh cilantro
– Cooking oil
– Miso paste (for the marinade)
– Optional: Rice vinegar or lemon juice (to enhance acidity)
#### Recipe Notes:
– **Substitutions**: If eggplant isn’t your preference, you might opt for mushrooms or tofu as replacements.
– **Soba Noodles**: Composed of buckwheat, these noodles are generally gluten-free. However, always verify the label since certain brands may blend wheat with buckwheat.
– **Marinade**: The marinade in this dish lacks acidic components, but you’re welcome to add a dash of rice vinegar or lemon juice if you wish.
#### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Eggplant**: Heat a well-greased pan over medium heat. Introduce the chopped eggplant with a sprinkle of salt. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking, until the eggplant reduces in size and gains color. Add more oil if needed.
2. **Make the Marinade**: In a small bowl, mix the miso paste with the additional marinade components. It might be tough to dissolve the miso, so use the back of a teaspoon to crush it, then whisk until it achieves a smooth consistency.
3. **Cook the Soba Noodles**: Adhere to the package directions for cooking the soba noodles. After cooking, rinse them under cool water to eliminate extra starch, which helps prevent stickiness.
4. **Prepare Vegetables**: Slice the broccoli into thin stalks and roughly chop the green onion.
5. **Char the Broccoli**: After the eggplant has cooked, move it to a bowl. In the same pan, add the broccoli, green onions, half a clove of garlic, and half of the chili. Char the broccoli for 1-2 minutes on each side.
6. **Combine Ingredients**: Place the cooked eggplant back into the pan and pour in half of the marinade. Stir everything together.
7. **Add Noodles and Spinach**: Mix in the soba noodles (beginning with 2/3 of the noodles for a higher filling-to-noodle ratio) and a handful of spinach. Remove from heat and toss everything well.
8. **Serve**: Dish the stir-fry into two bowls. Garnish with sesame seeds, fresh cilantro, the remaining chili, and a drizzle of the leftover marinade.
#### Enjoy!
This soba noodle stir-fry is not just a treat for the eyes but also a wholesome and gratifying meal that can be tailored to your liking. Relish the vibrant tastes and textures in each bite!