Eggplant is one of those fruit-based veggies that you either love or not. Most people only ever eat it deep-fried and smothered in sauce and cheese but, believe it or not, eggplant takes the stage as a key ingredient in many traditional Eastern dishes.
My creation has some sherry in it, which burns off so you don’t need to worry about the alcohol content. However, you can always substitute a mix of 50% apple cider vinegar and 50% water.
This recipe makes an ample amount of sauce but if you want more, I would suggest doubling it. The dish is best served warm, although it can be eaten cold, and keeps in the refrigerator for about 4 days. When reheating, add a small amount of water to help rehydrate the noodles or rice.
NOTE: Make sure you salt your eggplant pieces and set them aside on paper towels for 15 to 30 minutes. Pat dry and remove excess salt before cooking. This will ensure that the eggplant cooks properly without absorbing too much cooking oil.
I’ve included a step-by-step picture tutorial on how to wrap the pockets. First, cut the squares into two triangles. Add a small amount of filling and fold over like shown in the pictures. Please use water and lightly coat the edges to make sure every side is sealed.
