Combi ovens (ovens that have the option to cook with steam) have been a key set up for many chefs and bakers since the ‘80s. Today, home cooks also have access to the tech. Low humidity (25%) – which can be achieved with AEG’s SteamCrisp oven function – is great for cooking vegetables like whole roasted aubergines because it uses steam to keep the flesh juicy and soft at the beginning of cooking, followed by a dry heat to caramelise a glaze or sauce towards the end of cooking. These miso-glazed baby aubergines are coated in sesame and panko breadcrumbs to maximise those contrasting textures.
Preheat the oven to 200°C – if your oven has the option to steam, fill up the reservoir with water
Turn on to a low steam setting (25% humidity). Line a roasting tray with baking paper
Prick the baby aubergines and rub with the vegetable oil. Season with salt and pepper and arrange on the tray in a single layer. Roast for 20 minutes until the flesh is soft and the edges begin to colour
For the miso glaze, whisk together all the ingredients in a bowl, adding a splash of water to loosen to a thick consistency, if needed
For the black sesame crunch, heat the sesame oil in a small frying pan over a medium heat. Toast all the ingredients with a pinch of salt for 2-3 minutes until golden, then transfer to a tray and set aside
Remove the aubergines from the oven and generously brush with most of the miso glaze. Return to the oven for 8-10 minutes, until sticky and caramelised, checking regularly
Roll each sticky aubergine in the sesame crunch and arrange on a platter
Loosen the remaining glaze with a little warm water and drizzle over the aubergines. Garnish with sliced spring onions, coriander leaves and the chilli. Drizzle with a little chilli oil and serve with lime wedges


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