Oriental and Mediterranean eggplants are about 5 inches long and 1½-2 inches in diameter. Elongated in shape and are excellent for busy cooks since they cook quickly. Eggplants are low in calories.

Prepare this subtly flavored sauce ahead for ease in serving.
3 Tablespoons toasted sesame seeds, ground coarsely
3 Tablespoons sugar
3 Tablespoons rice wine vinegar (Japanese type)
1 Tablespoon soy sauce (Japanese shoyu)
1 teaspoon salt
dash MSG (optional)

Put all ingredients into a bowl. Mix well, or easier yet, first grind sesame seeds in blender slightly and add balance of ingredients. Twirl a short while. Pour over cooked eggplant.

8 eggplants, small Oriental or Mediterranean variety

Trim ends of unpeeled eggplants and make several long slashes on lenghwise [SIC] surface for speed in frying. The skin protects oil from penetrating the inside which makes the vegetable exceedingly fat-free when cooked.

Heat frying pan with a thin layer of light vegetable oil. When about 350°F. add eggplants and fry until soft. Turn them occasionally. Cook about 4 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Keep warm. To serve split eggplants open at one lengthwise slash and pour sauce over vegetables. Enjoy!

Serves 4

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©️Shufunotomo Co., Ltd. Japan 1974