Sesame Fried Aubergine with Figs

Taken from The Guardian's Recipe Archive...

This can be served as a main dish with steamed rice, or with grilled meat or fish. Super quick, perfect for a weekday supper. 

Serves 2-4

4 small aubergines/2 large 
50g plain flour
2 figs
30g white sesame seeds
50g sesame paste or tahini
30ml soy sauce
30ml mirin
20g sugar
80ml white wine

1. Peel the aubergine lengthwise, leaving strips of the skin.

2. Dust the aubergine pieces in plain flour then fry in 2 tbsp vegetable oil over a high heat, until nicely browned and cooked through. Drain on kitchen roll.

3. Cut the figs into quarters, then coat in plain flour and fry in the same pan, cooking for 10 seconds on each side.

4. Mix the white sesame seeds, tahini, soy sauce, mirin, sugar and wine. Put the aubergine and figs on a large serving plate, drizzle over the dressing and garnish with watercress or dill.