Mar 12, 2022

Eggplant and Tomato Stewed Rice 雙茄豬肉燴飯

Stewed rice, the translated name can be misleading in some way, but that's the best way to put it after an extended research online. It's not what it appears, like literally stewing the rice grains. But rather the toppings were cooked with some liquid, usually a light flavored stock, then added corn starch water to thicken it up. The end result is a slightly gooey, somewhat soupy topping to eat with rice.


One of the closest consistency that I can think of is gumbo. Stewed rice in a way is similar to eating gumbo with rice. 


Eggplant and tomato stewed rice 雙茄豬肉燴飯 - 


Eggplant and tomato stewed rice


Ingredients (about 4 to 5 portions)?

  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 2 long variety eggplants
  • 2 to 3 medium sized ripe tomatoes
  • 4 to 5 portions cooked rice (I used quinoa and white rice)
  • 4 to 5 garlic cloves
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons spicy fermented bean paste 豆瓣醬
  • 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Some black pepper
  • Some corn starch and water mixture
  • Some olive oil or other preferred cooking oil


How? 

Precook the rice first and keep warm while working on other ingredients.


Quinoa white rice

There is no need to peel the eggplant skin. Simply remove the stems then slice the eggplants diagonally. Remove the stems then slice the tomatoes to smaller chunks. Peel and chop the garlic cloves.


Take a non-stick pan, drizzle about 3 tablespoons of oil then turn to medium heat. Add in eggplant slices and sear till both sides slightly colored. Add more oil if needed since eggplant can absorb quite the amount of oil. Once done, scoop out and set aside for later use.


Seared eggplant slices

Still using the same pan, drizzle more oil to evenly coat the surface. Turn to medium high heat this time. Once warmed up, add in tomatoes along with chopped garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Give it a quite stir-fry.


Cooking tomatoes and chopped garlic

Transfer ground pork over and cook till just fully cooked through. Add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 1/2 tablespoons of spicy fermented bean paste, and 1/2 teaspoon of sugar. Stir-fry for about a minute. 


Adding ground pork to tomato and garlic mixture

Add back the cooked eggplant and give it a quick mix. Pour in the chicken stock.


Adding chicken stock to stewed rice

Bring to a boil then switch to low heat. Taste and adjust here, season with more salt if needed. Prepare a small amount of corn starch and water mixture on a separate bowl. Mix well before adding to the pan. 


Remember to add the corn starch water mixture while gently stir the ingredients to prevent lumps. Try to aim for slightly thickened yet still a tiny bit soupy consistency.


Eggplant and tomato stewed rice

Scoop some rice to serving plate then add some thickened soupy ingredients over. Sprinkle some more black pepper on top.


I love the sourness touch from the ripe tomatoes, which was also balanced off with additional granulated sugar. On top of that, the soft texture of the tomatoes and eggplant are now filled with juicy flavors, especially eggplant can act like a sponge, taking in quite the amount of liquid during the cooking process.  


Other rice recipes:


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