Smoked Aubergine Eggplant And Vegetable Curry Recipes

EASY BAINGAN BHARTA (OVEN ROASTED/BROILED EGGPLANT CURRY)

Steps:

• Set your oven rack so that your eggplants will be as close as possible to the heat source. Use a fork or knife to poke holes throughout the eggplant to prevent it from bursting in the oven.
• Preheat your broiler on High (550 degrees F/287 C). Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Roast the eggplants for about 30 minutes, turning midway. The skin will blacken and the eggplant may burst a little.
• Once the eggplant cools down (you can place it in a bowl of water to speed this up) peel the blackened skin, remove the stem and coarsely mash its flesh. I like to do this using the "pulse" function of my food processor. Set aside.
• Heat ghee and oil in a skillet a little over medium heat and add the cumin seeds. They will start to sputter. Immediately add the onion and sauté for 5-8 minutes, or until slightly golden. Add the garlic and ginger and continue to sauté until the raw smell disappears, or about 20 seconds. Add the tomatoes and cook until they're soft and the oil starts to leave the sides, about 5 minutes. Add a bit of water (if needed so the spices don't get burnt) and add the salt, paprika, red chili, and turmeric.
• Add the mashed eggplant and green chili peppers and cook, stirring often, until it is well cooked and becomes mushy like a purée, about 8-10 minutes. Taste and add oil, salt or paprika (for more color) as needed.
• Turn off the heat. Stir in the chopped cilantro leaves. Sprinkle lemon juice and garam masala over it. Serve with naan, roti or other bread. I like to eat it with some yogurt on the side to add some coolness to the dish.

SMOKED AUBERGINE (EGGPLANT) AND VEGETABLE CURRY

Steps:

• Whizz all the spices paste ingredients together in a food processor with 4 Tbsp of water to make a thick coarse paste.
• Pierce the aubergine with a skewer and place directly over a gas flame, or under a hot grill: cook, turning, until charred. Transfer to a plate and leave until cool enough to handle. Cut off the stem and halve the aubergine lengthways. Scoop out the flesh and discard the skin. Whizz the aubergine flesh with the coconut milk.
• Heat the oil in a large pan and fry the onions for 4-5 minutes. Stir in the spice paste and fry for a further 2 minutes. Add the carrot and cook for 10 minutes. Add the orange pepper, tomatoes, chick peas, potatoes and 400ml of water. Bring to the boil and simmer for 20 minutes. Stir in the coconut and aubergine mixture and peas. Bring to the boil and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Garnish with fresh sprigs of coriander and serve with basmati rice.