Quick and Easy Aubergine Cuisine in Just Under 20 Minutes / 美味健康茄子食谱

在伦敦呆久了，似乎口味上也变得没有那么浓油赤酱了。尤其是在夏天，胃口总是不太适应太过于油腻的食物。适逢朋友介绍了一款少油茄子做法，不但有助于降脂，鲜香爽辣配搭，简直是夏日清新的最佳选择。我觉得关键是这道菜特别适合中国人脾胃，所以介绍给大家。

Been living in the UK for a good few years already. This has actually led to my "chinese" taste-buds getting used to milder types of food, as oppose to more salty or oily foods from back home in China. A good friend of mine gave me a recipe for a delicious aubergine dish using minimal oil and quite easy to make. It's now turns out to be one of my favourites. Not only is the food healthy but also unbelievably super yummy! Being top of my "summer speciality" meal list, I am here to share this great recipe with all of you!

这款少油茄子属于快手菜，用微波炉制作，过程简单还很好吃。茄子的营养丰富，含有蛋白质、脂肪、碳水化合物、维生素以及钙、磷、铁等多种营养成分。专家说常吃茄子，可使血液中胆固醇水平不致增高，可以延缓人体衰老。茄子更被誉为素食者的“肉类”，对于想要调理一下饮食习惯的肉食朋友们， 这是个不错的替代品。

The aubergine contains a variety of nutrients such as protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and calcium, phosphorus, iron to name a few. Experts have suggested it can decrease blood cholesterol levels, even delay the ageing process to some extent. Also known as the eggplant, it is considered the vegetarian's "meat". Also worth considering is using it as a substitute for meat-eaters who plan to change their diet, but do it in a smoother fashion.

材料/ Ingredients

茄子一个（Aubergine） 

蒜头三头 （Garlic）

葱少许，切碎（Spring Onion）

橄榄油一汤匙（Olive Oil）

胡椒粉适量（Pepper Powder）

辣椒或辣椒粉适量 （Fresh Chilli or Chilli Powder)

盐适量 （Salt）

生抽一汤匙（Soy Source）

蚝油少许 （Oyster Source）

孜然粉适量 （Cumin Powder）

制作步骤 / Cooking Method:

1. 大蒜去皮，切细末。Remove the skin of the garlic and chop into fine pieces (If you can use a garlic crusher, this process is made much easier). 

2. 茄子洗干净后去蒂，整只放进微波炉叮6分钟。Wash the aubergine and remove it's stem. Then place it on a plate and put into microwave for 6 minutes.

3. 起锅热油，蒜末爆香，加胡椒粉，辣椒粉，少许生抽和蚝油炒匀关火，盛出备用。Heat up your pan with olive oil. Add the garlic and stir for a few seconds. Now add some black pepper, chilli powder, soy sauce and oyster sauce and stir for a further 10 seconds. Once done, pour mixture into a spare bowl for later use.

4. 叮熟的茄子对半平铺，放上炒好的蒜蓉，用筷子（或叉子）微戳以入味。Once the aubergine is done, cut it in half and spread the garlic mixture evenly over both halves. Use a fork or chopstick to poke holes into the flesh of the aubergine to allow the mixture to seep properly.

5. 将铺满蒜蓉的茄子再次放进微波炉叮5分钟。Put back into microwave for a further 5 minutes.

6. 撒上盐，孜然粉和葱花就大功告成了！Finally, sprinkle salt, cumin powder and spring onion over both slices and we're done!!! 

这道菜从食材准备到摆上饭桌，总共不超过20分钟。对于上班一族没有太多时间烹饪又不想吃油腻的外卖，最适合不过了。

From preparing the ingredients to serving the end result, it shouldn't take you more than 20 minutes, super quick and easy. It is best for full-time workers that do not have enough time to cook and are fed up with greasy takeaways. 

希望你们像我一样喜欢这道菜。我期待着在这个平台上分享更多的健康食谱。

Really hope you enjoy this meal as much as I do and look forward to posting more "healthier option" meals in the near future. 

HAPPY STEEMING!!!!