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Sesame Grilled Eggplant and Red Bell Pepper Carpaccio
with Whipped Tofu

Serves 4

 


1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 tablespoons canola oil
1/4 cup naturally brewed balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons canola oil
2 Japanese eggplant, sliced lengthwise 1/3-inch thick
2 red bell peppers
1 block silken tofu
1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Cooking spray

Prepare a hot grill, sprayed slick. Grill whole red bell peppers to blister and blacken skin. Once skin is fully blistered, remove peppers to a heat-proof bowl and cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap. (The steam coming from the peppers will steam and soften the skin, making them easier to peel.) In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil, 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar and canola oil. Season the eggplant slices and brush them with the sesame vinaigrette. Grill the eggplant slices until cooked through, glazing each side as necessary, about 4-5 minutes total. Once peppers have steamed, remove from bowl and peel off blackened skin. Cut off top of pepper to remove stem and seeds. Make one lengthwise cut in each pepper, to open pepper and lay flat. Scrape off any remaining seeds and brush peppers with sesame vinaigrette. Lay pepper on a plate and top with eggplant slices. Meanwhile, in a food processor fitted with a blade, puree the tofu with remaining 1/2 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1 tablespoon naturally brewed balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil. Check for flavor and season. Place a quenelle of tofu on vegetable carpaccio, garnish with black sesame seeds, drizzle extra vinaigrette, serve.

  • Wine Notes:

    2005 Antinori Santa Cristina Rosso
    A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot. A vibrant fruit aroma with sweet tannins and lingering fruit on the palate, this red pairs beautifully with all three East-West recipes from this episode.

    2005 Altanuta Alto Adige D.O.C. Pinot Grigio
    DOC is the Italian version of the French AOC. DOC wines are produced in specific, defined regions, according to specific rules for each type of wine to preserve traditional wine-making. This aromatic wine has flavors of pear, green apple and lemon. Round and fresh, with an almost effervescent finish, this pairs nicely with all three dishes from this episode.

  • >>This recipe appears in Episode #520.

    >>Click here for a printer friendly version
  • Sesame Grilled Eggplant and Red Bell Pepper Carpaccio with Whipped Tofu