This eggplant recipe is one of the best of all Szechwanese dishes. It is also very inexpensive when eggplant is in season. Somewhat hot, this dish tastes best when the garlic is literally overpowering. If you don’t peel the eggplant, the color of this dish will be purplish.

Rub in the butter and fat until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs, or work in the food processor, being careful not to over-mix. Mix in the liquid gradually, adding enough to bring the pastry together into a ball. In a food processor, add the liquid through the funnel while the machine is running. Carefully press the pastry onto the bottom and up the sides of the dish, taking care not to stretch it.