Peppery Aubergines

India and the Far East consume the greatest quantities of aubergines. This is to be expected as, although this splendid vegetable is now cultivated in warm climates throughout the world, its homeland is India. It has been a traditional food in Eastern cookery for many centuries. This recipe was inspired by my good friend Hwang San in his delightful Hunan-style restaurant, Dong Ting, in Houston, Texas. He steams the aubergines, but I find roasting them just as easy with the same results. Aub