Braised Eggplant and Tofu in Caramel Sauce

Eggplant is one of those vegetables that practically “melt” after a long cooking process, which is why it is so often found in slow-cooked Vietnamese dishes like a curry or a stew. For this dish, the cooking time must be close to an hour in order to achieve the velvety texture of an overcooked eggplant. This is not the most attractive-looking dish, however, so be sure to chop plenty of Thai basil to garnish it.