It's also notorious for absorbing oil when it's fried, but that's not a problem with this recipe, where the eggplant is steamed ... Buy Chinese or Japanese eggplants that are as thin as possible.

My local grocery store doesn't sell Japanese eggplant, which is typically ... I wouldn't mind making De Laurentiis' recipe again. It was quick and easy but still tasted great.

Soba are Japanese ... eggplant, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and radishes are tossed with soba noodles and a pesto made with soy sauce—perfect as a summer side dish or light lunch. Find these ...