Curried Eggplant Aubergine Dip Recipes

SOUTH INDIAN EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) CURRY

Steps:

• In a cast iron or other heavy skillet, roast coconut powder, poppy seeds, sesame seeds and cumin seeds over low heat until light brown.
• Remove from pan to stop the cooking and cool.
• Put this coconut mixture in a food processor and process until it's grainy, reserve in a dish.
• Grind the roasted channa dal in a spice grinder until it is a fine powder and add to the coconut mixture.
• In a food processor, process the peanuts until they are coarsely ground.
• Wash and stem the eggplants.
• Cut each eggplant 2/3 into the wide end up to the stem - making an "X" - leave the stem end intact.
• Heat 1/4 cup oil in a skillet and cook the eggplants on low until soft.
• In a separate pan, heat the 2 tablespoons of oil to medium hot.
• Add the 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds to the hot oil.
• In a matter of seconds they will begin to pop - add the onions and stir.
• When the onions are beginning to brown, add the ginger garlic paste and the turmeric, cumin, coriander powder, chili powder and salt.
• Stir the spices into the onion then add the tomatoes.
• Stir in the tomatoes then add the coconut mixture along with the peanuts.
• Add the eggplants and 1 cup of the water.
• Stir and cook over low heat, covered for about 20 minutes.
• Add water a little at a time to maintain a nice smooth consistency.
• Add garam masala and 2 1/2 tablespoons of the chopped fresh coriander - stir.
• Check to see that it is salted to your taste.
• Put in a serving dish and garnish with the remaining chopped coriander.

CURRIED EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) DIP

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 475 degrees. Prick eggplants and roast for 35-40 minutes until colapsed and wrinkled. Let cool.
• Meanwhile, heat oil in a small pan and add onion over medium heat and cook 3-4 minutes. Add next 6 ingredients and saute until onions are soft and mixture is fragrant.
• Pour mixture in food processor and cool slightly. Add yogurt, cilantro and tomato paste and process until smooth.
• Remove the pulp from the roasted eggplant and put into processor and process until smooth. Add lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste. Process again for 30 seconds. Serve hot, cold or room temp with pita chips.

CURRIED (AUBERGINE) EGGPLANT

Steps:

• Toss eggplant with 1 teaspoon salt in a colander set over a bowl, then let drain 30 minutes; Rinse eggplant, then drain, pressing gently on eggplant to extract any excess liquid.
• While eggplant drains, mash garlic, ginger, and jalapeno to a paste with 1/2 teaspoon salt, using a mortar and pestle (or mince and mash with a large heavey knife and transfer to a cup), Then stir in mustard seeds, cumin seeds and turmeric.
• Heat oil in a 5-quart heavy pot, over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then saute onion, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Add spice paste and cinnamon stick, then reduce heat to moderate and cook, stirring for 1 minute.
• Add eggplant and cook, stirring until it begins to soften, about 3 minutes; Stir in water, brown sugar, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and simmer covered, stirring occasionally, until eggplant is tender, BUT NOT falling apart, about 20 to 25 minutes.
• Season eggplant with more salt IF needed, discard cinnamon stick and serve eggplant sprinkled with cilantro and cashews.

EGGPLANT CURRY WITH TURMERIC CAULIFLOWER RICE

Steps:

• Heat half the oil in a large saute pan and gently fry the onion for 6 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and ginger and fry for 1 minute, then add the rest of the oil and the eggplants. Increase the heat and brown the eggplants on all sides.
• Add the nigella (or mustard) seeds, garam masala, tomatoes and plenty of seasoning, reduce the heat and bubble for 15 minutes until the eggplant is lovely and tender and the sauce has thickened.
• Meanwhile, prepare the cauliflower rice: heat the oil in a saucepan and fry the garlic and turmeric for 30 seconds, then add the riced cauliflower and a splash of water. Cover and steam for 5 minutes until hot and tender. Season well.
• Stir the yogurt through the curry and allow to simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes. Serve with the cauliflower rice and an extra dollop of yogurt

EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) DIP

Steps:

• Place eggplant on oven tray. Bake, uncovered, in moderate oven 180°C about 40 minutes or until soft.
• Remove eggplant and place eggplant in paper bag for 10 minutes.
• Remove and discard eggplant skin, chop flesh.
• Blend or process eggplant with remaining ingredients until smooth. You may need to add more yoghurt depending how smooth or thick you prefer your dip. Cover, refrigerate until cold.