Aubergine Curry With Lemongrass Coconut Milk Food

AUBERGINE (EGGPLANT) CURRY WITH LEMONGRASS & COCONUT MILK

Steps:

• Using a food processor, pulse the chilies, garlic, ginger and lemongrass to a coarse paste; set aside.
• Mix the turmeric and chili powder together and rub it all over the aubergine wedges.
• Heat the olive oil in frying pan,.
• brown the aubergines; remove from the pan and set aside.
• Cook the paste, sugar and shallots for a few mins, then return the aubergines to the pan.
• Add the fish sauce, coconut milk and stock or water, mix well,.
• bring the liquid to the boil; reduce the heat and cook gently until the aubergine is tender, but not mushy, about 15 minutes.
• Season to taste and sprinkle the coriander over the top.
• Serve hot with steamed rice or bread to mop up all the juices.

ROASTED AUBERGINE & TOMATO CURRY

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Toss the aubergines in a roasting tin with 2 tbsp olive oil, season well and spread out. Roast for 20 mins or until dark golden and soft.
• Heat the remaining oil in an ovenproof pan or flameproof casserole dish and cook the onions over a medium heat for 5-6 mins until softening. Stir in the garlic and spices, for a few mins until the spices release their aromas.
• Tip in the tomatoes, coconut milk and roasted aubergines, and bring to a gentle simmer. Simmer for 20-25 mins, removing the lid for the final 5 mins to thicken the sauce. Add a little seasoning if you like, and a pinch of sugar if it needs it. Stir through most of the coriander. Serve over rice or with chapatis, scattering with the remaining coriander.

ROAST AUBERGINE & COCONUT CURRY

Steps:

• Heat oven to 190C/170C fan/ gas 5. Spread out the aubergine in a roasting tin (you may need to use two) and drizzle with 3 tbsp of the oil. Turn the pieces over with your hands and season. Roast for 15-20 mins, tossing them halfway through cooking, or until they are dark golden and soft.
• Heat the rest of the oil in a flameproof casserole dish and cook the onions over a medium heat until they are soft and pale gold. Add the ginger, garlic and chilli, and cook for another 3 mins, then add the turmeric, coriander and cardamom pods (leave the pods whole). Stir for 1 min, then add the tomatoes and seasoning. Cook over a medium-low heat until the tomatoes begin to soften, stirring, then add the coconut cream, 75ml water and the aubergine.
• Bring to just under the boil - if it boils, the coconut cream will split - then turn down to a gentle simmer. Simmer for 30 mins, stirring every so often. Add the lime juice to taste, and check for seasoning. Add a pinch of sugar if it needs it. Stir in the coriander and serve with rice or naan breads. (Inform guests that there are some whole spices in the dish.)