GRILLED EGGPLANT WITH MISO GLAZE

SERVES 4

THIS RECIPE TAKES roasted eggplant one step further, roasting the big eggplants, then finishing them with miso paste. This earthy, sweet combination is the tastiest eggplant recipe I know. I use red miso paste here, but white is good too.

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large eggplant, halved and scored

Salt and pepper

¼ cup sake

1 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon miso paste

Preheat the grill to medium or heat a grill pan over medium heat. Rub the oil over the eggplant halves and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill, turning once or twice, until soft, about 12 minutes.

Meanwhile, bring the sake and sugar to a simmer in a very small pot and cook until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat, add the miso, and stir until smooth. When the eggplant halves are cooked, spread the glaze evenly over the tops. Serve immediately.