Cookwith - Thai Grilled Eggplant & Lentil Larb Lettuce Cups (Vegan Isaan Street Style)

Ingredients

• 1 small globe eggplant (about 250g)
• 1/2 cup cooked green or brown lentils (drained and rinsed)
• 1/4 cup red onion, very thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp carrot, shaved into ribbons
• 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, roughly torn
• 1 tbsp toasted rice powder (ground toasted jasmine rice)
• 1 small Thai chili, thinly sliced (more to taste)
• 2 tsp soy sauce or tamari (gluten-free if needed)
• 1 1/2 tbsp fresh lime juice (plus more for serving)
• 1 tsp vegan fish sauce (or extra soy sauce)
• 1 tsp maple syrup
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 6-8 crisp butter lettuce or little gem leaves, washed and dried
• 1/2 Persian cucumber, thinly sliced (for serving, optional)
• Lime wedges (to serve)