Aubergine In Coconut Milk Recipe | Food

Date Published:: 19/12/2007

Dishes like these cooked in coconut milk are very popular in the South and in Kerala using vegetables like pumpkins, beans, potatoes and beans. Adish from Come Dine With Me Oxford used the meal as part of a traditional thali

Serves 6

Ingredients

2 large aubergines, peeled and cut into chunks
4 garlic cloves, peeled and halved
1 green chilli, halved
2 ripe tomatoes, chopped
½ tsp ground turmeric
½ tsp garam masala
3 tbsp coconut powder
Salt to taste

For the tarka (fried spices)

1 tbsp oil
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 small onion, peeled and finely chopped
1 dried chilli, crumbled
1 tbsp curry leaves
Lemon juice to taste
Salt to taste

Method: How to make aubergine in coconut milk

1.Place the aubergines in a large pan with the garlic, green chilli, tomatoes, turmeric, garam masala and a good pinch of salt. Add 300ml water and bring to the boil.

2.Reduce the heat slightly and leave to simmer until the aubergines are soft, stirring occasionally. Leave to cool then transfer to a food processor and blend until smooth.

3.Return the aubergine mixture to a clean pan and heat gently. When it begins to bubble, add the coconut powder and season to taste. Stir over a low heat for 1-2 minutes.

4.To prepare the tarka, heat the oil in a small saucepan and add the mustard seeds, dried chilli, onion and curry leaves. Fry for a few minutes until the onion is beginning to soften, then pour onto the aubergine mixture and stir well.

Tip:

Lemon juice is added last after the dish has cooled so that the coconut milk doesn't curdle.

5.Remove from the heat and add lemon juice to taste. Serve with rice or chappatis.

Adish served the dish as part of a traditional thali, a selection of regional dishes which included dhall, boondi raita , tofu sambal, soya curry, lemon rice, carrot salad, fried potatoes and deep-fried plantain

Please note this recipe is the contestant's own and has not been tested professionally. Like the Come Dine With Me contestants, you could be creating a culinary delight or dining disaster, so switch on your ovens and be bold.