Smoky Aubergine and Spinach Delight
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Smoky Aubergine and Spinach Delight, a hearty curry that melds the smoky essence of roasted aubergines with the vibrant freshness of spinach. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends, this dish is not only packed with nutrition but also offers a delightful medley of spices that awaken the senses. Serve it over rice or with warm naan to soak up every drop of the delectable sauce. Enjoy a taste of culinary warmth with each generous serving!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
aubergines
4 (large)
onion
1 (large, finely chopped)
fresh spinach
200 (g, washed and torn into small pieces)
chopped plum tomatoes
3 (400 g cans)
fresh coriander
1 (bunch, chopped)
vegetable oil
4 (tablespoons, plus more for rubbing)
garlic cloves
4 (crushed)
ginger powder
2 (teaspoons)
cumin powder
2 (teaspoons)
garam masala powder
2 (teaspoons)
turmeric powder
1 (teaspoon)
chili powder
1 (teaspoon)
mustard seeds
1 (teaspoon)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and prepare a baking tray.
2
In a large pan, heat four tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until translucent and soft.
3
Add the ginger powder, cumin, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and mustard seeds to the onions, stirring well to release the spices' aroma.
4
While the onions cook, prepare the aubergines: rub them with a little oil on a piece of kitchen paper. Prick each aubergine three times with a fork, then place them on the baking tray.
5
Roast the aubergines in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, turning them halfway through, until the skin is charred and the flesh is tender.
6
Once the aubergines are roasted, carefully cut them down one side and remove the tops. Scoop out the soft flesh with a spoon and mash it in a bowl until smooth.
7
Return the spiced onion mixture to the stovetop over low heat. Stir in the mashed aubergine until fully combined.
8
Rinse the fresh spinach and chop it into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the pan. Stir until the spinach wilts down.
9
Pour in the chopped plum tomatoes and stir the mixture well. Allow the curry to simmer gently on low heat for about 10 minutes.
10
Add minced garlic and freshly chopped coriander to the pan, stirring to combine. Continue to cook for another 15 minutes for the flavors to meld beautifully.
11
For even better flavor, let the curry sit for a couple of hours before reheating and serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, roti, or naan.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky Aubergine and Spinach Delight?
It is a hearty Indian-style curry that combines the deep, smoky flavor of roasted aubergines with fresh spinach and a blend of aromatic spices.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is entirely plant-based and vegan-friendly as it uses vegetable oil and contains no animal products.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients are 4 large aubergines, 200g of fresh spinach, 1 large onion, 3 cans of chopped plum tomatoes, and various spices like cumin, turmeric, and garam masala.
How do I prepare the aubergines for roasting?
Rub the aubergines with a little vegetable oil using kitchen paper and prick each one three times with a fork before placing them on a baking tray.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 200°C or 390°F for roasting the aubergines.
How long does it take to roast the aubergines?
Roast them for approximately 30 minutes, making sure to turn them halfway through until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft.
Why do I need to prick the aubergines with a fork?
Pricking the skin allows steam to escape during the roasting process, preventing the aubergines from bursting in the oven.
Can I use ginger paste instead of ginger powder?
Yes, you can substitute ginger powder with fresh ginger paste for a more intense flavor.
What spices are used in the onion mixture?
The spice blend includes ginger powder, cumin, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and mustard seeds.
How should the onions be cooked?
Sauté the finely chopped onions in vegetable oil over medium heat until they become translucent and soft.
Do I use the skin of the roasted aubergines?
No, you should carefully remove the tops and scoop out the soft inner flesh with a spoon, discarding the charred skin.
How do I incorporate the aubergine into the curry?
Mash the scooped-out aubergine flesh in a bowl until smooth, then stir it into the spiced onion mixture.
When do I add the fresh spinach?
Add the rinsed and chopped spinach to the pan after the aubergine and onion mixture is combined, stirring until it wilts.
What type of tomatoes work best?
The recipe calls for three 400g cans of chopped plum tomatoes for a rich and thick sauce base.
How long should the curry simmer?
The curry should simmer gently for about 10 minutes after adding tomatoes, and then for an additional 15 minutes after adding garlic and coriander.
When is the garlic added to the dish?
Crushed garlic is added toward the end of the cooking process along with fresh coriander to preserve its aromatic properties.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, letting the curry sit for a couple of hours before reheating allows the spices and flavors to meld and intensify.
What are the best side dishes to serve with this curry?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, warm naan bread, roti, or paratha.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a nutrient-dense meal featuring high-fiber aubergines, iron-rich spinach, and antioxidant-rich spices.
How many people does this recipe serve?
The recipe uses 4 large aubergines and 3 cans of tomatoes, typically providing 4 to 6 generous servings.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
Yes, you can increase or decrease the amount of chili powder to suit your personal heat preference.
What if I don't have mustard seeds?
Mustard seeds add a unique pop of flavor, but the dish will still be delicious if you omit them or use a small amount of mustard powder.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach; just ensure you thaw it and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the pan.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can this curry be frozen?
Yes, this curry freezes well. Thaw it completely in the fridge before reheating thoroughly on the stovetop.
What is the purpose of garam masala in this recipe?
Garam masala provides a warm, complex finishing flavor that complements the smokiness of the aubergines.
Should the aubergines be mashed completely?
Mashing them until smooth is recommended to create a consistent texture, but you can leave some small chunks if you prefer.
Does the recipe require a specific type of oil?
Vegetable oil is suggested, but any neutral oil like canola or sunflower oil will work perfectly.
Can I add other vegetables to this curry?
Absolutely, you can add peas, chickpeas, or diced potatoes to further bulk out the dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The curry itself is naturally gluten-free; just ensure you serve it with rice or gluten-free bread.