Eggplant Curry

Rita~'s Note:

An Indian dish that is so full of flavor. Serve over rice or with Roti. If not using baby eggplant just cut into large pieces and coat but being careful when cooking so they don't dissolve into the sauce. Tofu can be used in addition or substitution. Serve with Saffron Rice Take a look at this thread http://www.recipezaar.com/bb/viewtopic.zsp?t=226782 for step x step of making this.

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

Masala paste

• 1 small yellow onion, coarsely chopped
• 2 inches fresh ginger, coarsely chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon canola oil

Main Ingredients

• 6 eggplants (baby or Indian)
• 15 ounces diced tomatoes (canned or 2 large tomatoes)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• chopped cilantro leaf (to garnish)
• 2 tablespoons canola oil

Spices for cooking

• 1/2 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika (Hot smoked or sweet your choice)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Directions:

1. In a blender, combine the ingredients for the masala paste blend it to a smooth paste; set this masala paste aside.
2. Cut into the baby eggplants up to about 1/4 inch from the stem, without breaking up the stem, into roughly lengthwise quarters gently separate at the slits, while holding the stem tight, and slather on the masala paste into the slits of the eggplant, in a thin layer, taking care not to break apart the eggplant; set aside. Or use the long thin eggplant cut into 1 inch slices and make a cut halfway through to slather the masala into and on the slices.
3. Heat 2 Tbsp of oil in a pan, add the diced onions and a pinch of salt and any remaining marsala paste left over after coating the eggplants; saute till onion turns translucent about 4-5 minutes.
4. Add the diced tomatoes and the rest of the spices, stir till well-incorporated.
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. Gently place the 'stuffed and coated' eggplants into the sauce so they are mostly submerged, cover and let it simmer over medium low heat till eggplant changes color and is cooked through but not mushy about 20 minutes.
7. Add a little water if there is not enough moisture for cooking, try not to stir at this point as the eggplants might fall apart.
8. When tender stir gently, garnish with cilantro and serve warm with roti or naan or over basmati rice.

Reviews

[Serapheve]

Totally yummy! :) Would have liked it a little spicier but Im south east asian. Im used to Indian food and this was really good! It grows yummier with every bite! Thanks Rita!! :)

[CaliforniaJan]

I made this for the Best of tag game and we loved it. Rita is right, it is full of flavor and the aroma is fantastic. We served it with Naan and it was a wonderful meal. I used half the cayenne and that was plenty of heat for us. Thanks for posting this delicious dish.

[sarahdn]

This is really good and easy to make! It's hard to get little eggplants where I live, so I used a big one cut into cubes, stirred in the masala paste, and let it marinate while preparing the rest. Delicious!