Aubergine Chilli Tagliolini Food

AUBERGINE, CHILLI & BACON PASTA

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large frying pan. Add the aubergine and cook for 8 mins until soft. Add the bacon and fry until cooked through, adding the garlic and chilli for the final min. Tip in the tomatoes, increase the heat and cook for 10 mins until thickened, stirring regularly.
• Meanwhile, cook the pasta. Drain well, then stir through the sauce. Serve with a scattering of Parmesan, if you like.

ROASTED AUBERGINE WITH CHILLI PEANUT DRESSING

Steps:

• Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Mix the oil with ½ tbsp sweet chilli sauce and 1 tsp soy. Cut the aubergine into wedges lengthways, then transfer to a foil-lined roasting tin. Pour over the sweet chilli mixture and toss. Separate them out so they cook evenly, then roast for 30 mins.
• Meanwhile, mix the remaining sweet chilli, soy and the peanut butter. Squeeze in the lime, then add a splash of water and set aside. When the aubergine has 15 mins left, cook the rice following pack instructions, then stir through the chopped coriander and spring onion.
• Pile the rice into a bowl, and top with the aubergine. Drizzle over the peanut sauce, then scatter over the coriander leaves and spring onions.

BURNT AUBERGINE VEGGIE CHILLI

Steps:

• If you have a gas hob, put the aubergine directly onto a lit ring to char completely, turning occasionally with kitchen tongs, until burnt all over. Alternatively, use a barbecue or heat the grill to its highest setting and cook, turning occasionally, until completely blackened (the grill won't give you the same smoky flavour). Set aside to cool on a plate, then peel off the charred skin and remove the stem. Roughly chop the flesh and set aside.
• In a large pan, heat the oil, add the onion and carrots with a pinch of salt, and fry over a low-medium heat for 15-20 mins until the carrots have softened.
• Add the aubergine, both types of lentils, the kidney beans with the liquid from the can, soy sauce, tomatoes, chocolate, chilli powder, oregano and the spices. Stir to combine, then pour in the stock. Bring to the boil, then turn down the heat to very low. Cover with a lid and cook for 1½ hrs, checking and stirring every 15-20 mins to prevent it from burning.
• Remove the lid and let the mixture simmer over a low-medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 15 mins until you get a thick sauce. Stir in the lime juice and taste for seasoning - add more salt if needed. Serve hot over rice with whichever accompaniments you want!