Spicy Aubergine & Peanut Noodles

Cooking aubergine in the microwave gives a buttery soft texture without the need for lots of oil, and it saves time too.

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Source: https://www.waitrose.com/ecom/recipe/spicy-aubergine-peanut-noodles

Ingredients:

• 2 Essential Aubergines, cut into small chunks

• 1 tbsp Essential Vegetable Oil

• 250g pack medium egg noodles

• 20g pack chives, chopped

• 70g roasted peanuts, chopped

For the sauce

• 2 tsp chilli flakes, or to taste

• 1 tsp caster or granulated sugar

• 3 clove/s garlic, crushed

• 2 tsp toasted sesame oil

• 4 tbsp soy sauce

Method:

1. Put the aubergine into a microwaveable bowl, cover with a plate and microwave for 10 minutes, until collapsing. Heat the oil in a large wok or frying pan and, once hot, add the aubergine, fry until golden, then scoop out on to a plate and set aside.

2. Submerge the noodles in a pan of boiling water, turn off the heat, leave to stand for 6 minutes, then drain and refresh under cold water. Mix the sauce ingredients together, stirring to dissolve the sugar.

3. Cook the noodles in the wok for a minute or so before adding the sauce, aubergine, most of the chives and peanuts. Plate up the piping hot noodles, then top with the reserved chives and peanuts.