A fairy-tale jungle archipelago (eggplant sandwich with braised sauce)

Method

1. 01

   Step 1

   Peel and wash the eggplant, then cut it into slices as shown in the picture, using a method of alternating shallow and deep cuts.

   

2. 02

   Step 2

   Add appropriate amounts of salt, chicken powder, cooking wine, light soy sauce, minced scallions and ginger, and sesame oil to the ground pork, and mix well.

   

3. 03

   Step 3

   Stuff the eggplant slices with a suitable amount of seasoned minced meat.

   

4. 04

   Step 4

   Wash and chop an appropriate amount of cilantro, peel and chop a head of garlic, and set aside.

   

5. 05

   Step 5

   Heat oil in a pan over medium heat, add a star anise, and heat until the color gradually darkens.

   

6. 06

   Step 6

   Once the spices have heated to a deep brown color, arrange the stuffed eggplant slices in the pot, sliding them in from the side of the pot to avoid burning your hands. As shown in the picture, add enough water to cover all the eggplant slices. Add a little salt, light soy sauce, and chicken powder. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium heat and cover the pot.

   

7. 07

   Step 7

   After about ten minutes, open the lid. At this point, the eggplant will be about 80-90% cooked. Sprinkle with minced garlic. Turn the heat up to high and continue heating until the sauce thickens.

   

8. 08

   Step 8

   A few moments later, the eggplant slices were cooked through, and the sauce had reduced. Sprinkle with two-thirds of the chopped cilantro. Turn off the heat and plate. Top with the remaining cilantro. This simple home-style dish is now perfectly finished. I've named it "Jungle Islands Full of Ethereal Charm." Isn't that a fitting name?!