Nasu Dengaku is a traditional Japanese dish where eggplant is roasted and topped with a rich, sweet miso glaze. This flavorful combination of tender eggplant and savory-sweet miso makes for a satisfying appetizer or side dish. Often garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, Nasu Dengaku is a perfect balance of umami and sweetness, offering a delicious introduction to Japanese cuisine.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium eggplants
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons white miso paste
- 2 tablespoons red miso paste (or just use white if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 tablespoon sake
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Prepare the Eggplants:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise. Score the flesh in a crisscross pattern with a knife, being careful not to cut through the skin.
- Brush both cut sides of the eggplant with vegetable oil and place them on a baking sheet, cut side up.
- Roast the Eggplants:
- Roast the eggplants in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the flesh is soft and golden brown. You can check for doneness by gently pressing on the flesh; it should yield easily.
- Prepare the Miso Glaze:
- While the eggplants are roasting, in a small saucepan, combine the white miso paste, red miso paste, mirin, sake, sugar, and rice vinegar.
- Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves, and the glaze becomes smooth and slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the sesame oil and remove from heat.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Once the eggplants are done, remove them from the oven and spoon a generous amount of the miso glaze onto the cut side of each eggplant half.
- Return the glazed eggplants to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize and slightly bubble.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish.
- Serve hot as an appetizer, side dish, or as part of a Japanese meal.
Nasu Dengaku offers a perfect balance of rich miso flavor and the delicate texture of roasted eggplant, making it a favorite in Japanese cuisine that is both delicious and satisfying.
