Spiced Eggplant in Creamy Tomato Coconut Sauce
This Spiced Eggplant in Creamy Tomato Coconut Sauce is a delightful and aromatic dish that embodies the essence of Indian cuisine. Rich in flavors and textures, the cubed aubergine absorbs the fragrant spices and creamy sauce, making it irresistible. This recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it also makes a perfect side dish to accompany your favorite meat or fish curry. Enjoy this vibrant vegetable dish as part of a balanced meal or as a comforting vegetarian option. Ideal for sharing with family and friends, this dish is sure to impress with its warm and inviting aroma.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
aubergine
1 large (cubed)
oil
2 tablespoons (for frying)
onion
1 (sliced)
garlic
2 cloves (chopped)
ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon
cumin powder
1/2 teaspoon
coriander powder
2 teaspoons
chili powder
1/2 teaspoon
turmeric
1/2 teaspoon
tomato paste
3 teaspoons
coconut milk
1 (14 ounce) can
tomato
1 (diced)
salt
to taste
Instructions
1
Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced onion and sauté until it turns golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3
Add the ground ginger, cumin powder, coriander powder, chili powder, and turmeric to the pot. Stir well and sauté the spices for approximately 2 minutes to enhance their flavors.
4
Mix in the tomato paste, followed by the coconut milk, stirring until well combined. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer and form a nice gravy, about 5 minutes.
5
Add the cubed aubergine and diced tomatoes into the pot, stirring to coat them well in the sauce. Season with salt to taste.
6
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the aubergine is tender and has absorbed the flavors of the sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main vegetable used in this recipe?
The main vegetable is one large aubergine, also known as eggplant, which is cubed for the dish.
Is this spiced eggplant dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian and vegan-friendly as it uses coconut milk and plant-based ingredients.
How long does it take to sauté the onions?
The sliced onions should be sautéed for about 5-7 minutes until they turn golden brown.
What spices are required for the sauce?
The spice blend includes ground ginger, cumin powder, coriander powder, chili powder, and turmeric.
What type of coconut milk should I use?
The recipe calls for one 14-ounce can of coconut milk to create the creamy sauce.
How much oil is needed for frying?
You will need 2 tablespoons of oil to start the sautéing process.
Do I need to use fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 2 cloves of chopped garlic for the best aroma.
How long should I cook the spices before adding liquid?
Sauté the spices for approximately 2 minutes to fully enhance and release their flavors.
What is the purpose of adding tomato paste?
Tomato paste is used to thicken the gravy and provide a deep, concentrated tomato flavor.
How long does the eggplant need to simmer?
The aubergine should simmer in the sauce for about 30 minutes until it becomes tender.
Should the pot be covered while simmering?
Yes, cover the pot and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
What size should I cut the eggplant?
The eggplant should be cut into cubes to allow it to absorb the sauce effectively.
Does this recipe use fresh tomatoes as well?
Yes, in addition to tomato paste, one diced fresh tomato is added to the pot.
Is this dish considered spicy?
It contains 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder, which provides a mild to moderate heat that can be adjusted.
What is the origin of this recipe's flavors?
This dish embodies the essence of Indian cuisine with its aromatic spice profile.
Can I serve this as a main course?
While it is a perfect side dish for meat or fish, it can also be served as a comforting vegetarian main option.
How much coriander powder is used?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of coriander powder.
What should the final texture of the aubergine be?
The aubergine should be tender and should have thoroughly absorbed the flavors of the sauce.
How much ginger is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground?
Yes, you can substitute fresh grated ginger, though the recipe specifically lists ground ginger.
What type of heat should I use for frying onions?
Use medium heat to ensure the onions turn golden brown without burning.
Is there a specific amount of salt to add?
Salt should be added to taste during the step where the aubergine and tomatoes are mixed in.
How much cumin powder is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of cumin powder.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 13 ingredients in total used for this spiced eggplant dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, eggplant curries often taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
How much turmeric is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric.
What serves as the base for the gravy?
The gravy base is a combination of tomato paste and coconut milk.
Is this a difficult recipe to prepare?
No, it is described as an easy recipe that is simple to prepare for any skill level.
What should I serve with this dish?
It pairs very well with rice, naan bread, or as a side to a larger curry spread.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first step is heating the oil in a large pot and sautéing the sliced onion.