Guokui with Eggplant and Garlic Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 eggplant, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Rolling pin
- Skillet or griddle

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, warm water, and salt. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

2. In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add diced eggplant and minced garlic. Cook until the eggplant is tender and slightly browned.

3. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Pour the mixture over the eggplant and garlic. Stir until the eggplant is coated with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a thin circle, about 6 inches in diameter.

5. Place a spoonful of the eggplant mixture in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal.

6. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place the guokui on the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.

7. Serve hot.


Time:
Preparation time: 40 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Skillet or griddle: medium-high heat
Serving size:
8 guokui

Nutritional information:
Calories: 180
Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Protein: 5g
Sodium: 330mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- All-purpose flour can be substituted with bread flour or whole wheat flour.
- Eggplant can be substituted with zucchini or mushrooms.
- Soy sauce can be substituted with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Rice vinegar can be substituted with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
- Brown sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.
- Red pepper flakes can be substituted with chili powder or cayenne pepper.

Variations:
- Add diced tofu or ground pork to the eggplant mixture.
- Use different vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or onions.
- Add fresh herbs such as cilantro or basil to the eggplant mixture.
- Serve with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the dough is rolled thin enough to wrap around the filling.
- Use a non-stick skillet or griddle to prevent sticking.
- Don't overfill the guokui or it will be difficult to seal.
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more water. If it's too wet, add a little more flour.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftover guokui in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat guokui in the microwave for 30 seconds or in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve guokui on a plate with a side of dipping sauce and garnish with chopped green onions.

Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Cilantro

Pairings:
- Jasmine rice
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Hot and sour soup

Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed dumplings
- Egg drop soup
- Fried rice

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too sticky, add more flour.
- If the guokui is not sealing properly, wet the edges with a little water before pinching them together.
- If the guokui is not cooking evenly, adjust the heat or flip it more frequently.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the eggplant is fully cooked before filling the guokui.
- Wash your hands and all utensils before and after handling raw ingredients.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before consuming.

Food history:
- Guokui is a type of Chinese flatbread that originated in the Shaanxi province.
- It is traditionally filled with meat or vegetables and cooked in a tandoor oven.

Flavor profiles:
- The eggplant and garlic filling is savory and slightly sweet with a hint of spice from the red pepper flakes.
- The guokui dough is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve guokui as an appetizer or a main dish.
- Pair with other Chinese dishes for a complete meal.
- Serve with hot tea or a cold beer.

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Region: Chinese

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Spicy, Aromatic