Mindi's Aubergine Curry

Sun, 9 October 2022

Ingredients

• 2 Aubergine(eggplants)
• 1tsp salt
• 1tbsp olive oil
• 1tsp mustard seeds
• 1tsp cumin seeds
• 1 onion sliced
• 2 red chillis or green
• 3 garlic cloves chopped finely
• 2 cm size ginger chopped finely
• ½ tsp red chilli powder (depending on heat)
• ½ tsp turmeric
• 1tsp garam masala
• ½ coriander powder
• 4 plum Tomatoes or tin Tomato’s
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• Bunch fresh Coriander  ( chop & keep coriander stalks and fry off with onions )
• 4 tbsp water depending on how dry it looks

*Optional to add ½ cup frozen peas and ½ cup diced potatoes *

Instructions

1. Cut the aubergine in half – preferably keeping the skin on.
2. Score the inner part with a knife and drizzle with olive oil. Grill with the skin side up for 5 minutes then turn and grill the other side until soft.
3. When both side of the aubergine are softly cooked, allow to cool a little. Scoop and chop up the soft inner flesh of the aubergine onto a plate and make sauce.
4. Heat 1 1/2 tbsp. oil in a heavy pan. When hot, add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. They will start to pop in a few seconds. When they begin to pop, add the sliced onions, and cook till golden brown, then add garlic, ginger, green or red chilli & coriander stalks Turn the heat to medium and cook until mixture is soft and lightly browned.
5. Add, turmeric, garam masala, coriander & chilli powder and salt to the onion mixture. Cook spices for a few minutes.
6. Add chopped tomatoes. Reduce heat to low. Let the sauce cook gently but don’t allow it to become dry. (Add a little drop of water if its looking dry)
7. Optional to add ½ cup frozen peas and ½ cup diced potatoes *
8. Add the cooked chopped aubergine pieces into the sauce, making sure to cover all pieces with the sauce. Add lemon juice.
9. Cook for 10 minutes stirring occasionally.
10. Sprinkle chopped coriander leaves on top. Turn off the heat, cover, and leave for a few minutes before serving hot with rice, pita bread or chapati