Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 medium-sized eggplants, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups dashi broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sake
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil for frying
Special equipment needed:
- Large casserole dish
- Frying pan
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a frying pan, heat cooking oil over medium heat. Fry eggplant slices until lightly browned on both sides. Set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
4. Add dashi broth, soy sauce, sake, mirin, and brown sugar to the pan. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a large casserole dish, layer the fried eggplant slices and sliced hard-boiled eggs.
6. Pour the beef mixture over the eggplant and eggs.
7. Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
9. Garnish with chopped green onions.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 400
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground pork or chicken can be used instead of ground beef.
- Chicken broth can be used instead of dashi broth.
- White sugar can be used instead of brown sugar.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the beef mixture.
- Use tofu instead of hard-boiled eggs for a vegetarian option.
- Add sliced bell peppers for extra flavor and color.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to fry the eggplant slices until they are lightly browned to prevent them from becoming mushy in the casserole.
- Use a mandoline slicer to ensure even thickness of the eggplant slices.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the casserole in individual bowls or on a large platter.
Garnishes:
Chopped green onions or cilantro.
Pairings:
Steamed rice or noodles.
Suggested side dishes:
Miso soup or a side salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the casserole is too watery, let it bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the ground beef thoroughly to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
Imoni is a traditional Japanese soup made with taro root and other vegetables. This casserole version is a twist on the classic dish.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, umami, slightly sweet.
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot as a main dish.
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Region: Japanese