Namban-Nasu

May 29, 2023May 29, 20230 14
Crispy and savory Namban-Nasu recipe inspired by traditional Japanese cuisine
in Appetizer

Prep

15 min

Cook

15 min

Ready In

30 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
Loading...

Ingredients

2 Japanese eggplants or 1 small american eggplant
2 small fennel bulbs
1 head radicchio
vegetable oil ( for frying )
1 -2 tablespoon minced parsley , garnish
1 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons Braggs liquid aminos or 2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon salt
2 japanese dried red chili peppers , stemmed and seeded or 1 teaspoon dried red chili pepper flakes

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
4
Calories
270
Sugar
13g
Fat
16g
Namban-Nasu is a dish that originates from southern Japan and has been enjoyed for centuries. Traditionally, it consists of deep-fried eggplant that is marinated in vinegar and served with a spicy sauce. This version features a twist by including sauteed fennel and radicchio, combined with a vinegar dressing loaded with umami flavor and heat. The result is a crispy and appetizing dish perfect to share with friends and family as an appetizer or side dish. Namban-Nasu is versatile and can be enjoyed warm or cold, making it an ideal addition to any meal.

Instructions

1.Wash and dry the eggplants, then slice them into 3/4 inch thick rounds and set aside.
2.Cut the fennel bulbs in half and remove the core, then slice into thin strips.
3.Pull the radicchio apart into single leaves, then slice them into thin strips as well.
4.In a medium-size bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, Braggs liquid aminos/soy sauce, and salt until sugar is fully dissolved. Add the dried red chilli peppers and set aside.
5.Fill a large skillet with enough vegetable oil to come up to a depth of 1 inch and heat until hot but not smoking. Fry the eggplant rounds in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
6.Add the fennel to the same skillet and cook until slightly softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add the radicchio and cook until slightly wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
7.Transfer the eggplant to a serving platter and top with the fennel and radicchio mixture. Drizzle the vinegar dressing over the top, then sprinkle with the minced parsley.

PROS

Namban-Nasu is a delicious vegetarian appetizer with a unique blend of crispy and savory flavors thanks to the eggplant, fennel, radicchio, and spicy vinegar dressing.

This recipe is easy to follow and takes only 30 minutes to prepare.

CONS

The eggplant needs to be fried, which adds to the calorie count and fat content.

This recipe requires dried Japanese chili peppers which may not be readily available in some regions.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Eggplants are low in calories and provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Fennel is high in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Radicchio is a good source of vitamin K which helps with blood clotting and supports bone health.
The spicy vinegar with dried chili peppers may stimulate digestion and boost metabolism.

Print

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.