Eggplant with Spicy Sesame Sauce

This eggplant dish is rich in taste and texture, combining all the wonderful elements of Sichuanese cooking: garlic, ginger, chiles, and Sichuan pepper, all in generous amounts. It makes a very good centerpiece for a vegetarian meal, as there is nothing mild or shy about its taste. Serve it with rice and with dishes of contrasting textures, such as Summer Stir-fry or Everyday Sprouts.