Eggplant and fennel pilaf of bulgur and rice

3 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
4cupsEggplant chunks; approximately
1teaspoonAsian five spice powder; preferably Thai spice blend
1teaspoonLight sesame oil
1teaspoonGomasio; or a blend of sesame seeds and coarse salt
1smallFennel bulb; trimmed and cored
2tablespoonsChopped fresh basil
Freshly ground pepper
Olive oil spray
1cupChopped onion
1teaspoonOlive oil
½cupRed bell pepper strips
Freshly ground pepper
½cupCracked wheat bulgur
½cupInstant white rice; or leftover
16ouncesLow sodium vegetable broth
¼teaspoonBetter than bouillon vegetable soup base; or flavor enhancer
½teaspoonButter BudsĀ®; sprinkles
½cupChopped fresh cilantro; more or less
3Lemon wedges; garnish

Directions

EGGPLANT

FENNEL / ANISE

ADDITIONS

FINISHING TOUCHES

Preheat oven to 350F.

EGGPLANT: Cut eggplant into large dice and toss with 5-spice, oil and gomasio. Spread on a sprayed non-stick cookie sheet.

FENNEL: Trim and core the fennel bulb. Remove tough outer layers if necessary. Toss with basil, pepper and a little olive oil mist. Place in a non-stick oven pan that will fit in your oven along side the cookie sheet.

Bake both at 350F for 15 minutes. Fennel should now be aromatic and soft.

Remove from oven and let cool. Continue to bake the eggplant for another 25 to 10 minutes or until lightly brown. Remove to cool.

While vegetable are cooking, heat oil in a large skillet or wok. Saute the onion until soft. Add the red pepper strips, season with pepper; saute until peppers are softened and onions are lightly browned.

Pan roast the grains: Clear a space in the middle of the pan and add the bulgur and rice. Stir to 'toast' the grains, incorporating the onion mixture after about 2 minutes. Add the broth and the bouillon-flavor enhancer. Stir well. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir and add the roasted vegetables. Simmer until most of the liquid has been absorbed by the grains; about 15-20 minutes. Add the butter buds and cilantro; warm through. Serve with lemon wedges and offer gomasio.

[PER SERVING: 258 cals, 4g total fat (12%cff); 63g carbs; 10g fiber; 367mg sodium]

SEE The KitchenPatH Recipes |

09/25/98(Fri)

NOTES : The eggplant and fennel are roasted with spices and added to the two-grain pilaf. The fennel is an after-taste. Very pleasing pilaf. Tested by Pat and Bob Hanneman 9/98. If you don't like cilantro, try shredded napa cabbage, watercress, romaine, or flat-leaf parsley. Serves 3; 4 when served with salad and a roll. *Recipe adapted from Rosemary Moon's EGGPLANT COOKBOOK (1998)

Recipe by: Adapted from Rosemary Moon's Egglant Cookbook (1998) Posted to EAT-LF Digest by Pat Hanneman <kitpath@...> on Sep 25, 1998, converted by MM_Buster v2.0l.