Grilled Eggplant Noodle Bowl

Made with rice noodles, this one-bowl meal is hearty without being heavy. If you don’t like peanuts, use cashews instead.

• 1 large eggplant, trimmed and sliced lengthwise into 6 1/2-inch-thick slices
• Olive oil, for brushing
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 7 oz. flat, wide (pad thai) rice noodles
• 2 scallions, sliced
• 1/4 cup mirin
• 3 Tbs. soy sauce
• 1 tsp. Asian sesame oil
• 1 Tbs. chopped fresh mint
• 1 Tbs. chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 Tbs. chopped salted peanuts

Prepare a medium-high (425°F to 450°F) gas or charcoal grill fire. Brush the eggplant slices with oil and season with salt and pepper.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat.

Grill the eggplant until grill marks form on one side, about 3 minutes. Flip the slices and continue to grill until the eggplant is tender, about 2 minutes more.

Cook the rice noodles according to package directions until tender.

Meanwhile, chop the eggplant into 1/2-inch pieces, and combine with the scallions in a large bowl.

In a small bowl, whisk together the mirin, soy sauce, sesame oil, and 1/4 cup warm water.

Drain the noodles, rinse under cold running water, drain again, and add to the eggplant. Toss with the sauce, mint, and cilantro. Sprinkle with the peanuts and serve