Spiced Aubergine Bake Recipes

Steps:

• Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Generously brush each aubergine slice with vegetable oil and place in a single layer on a baking tray, or two if they don't fit on one. Cook on the low shelves for 10 mins, then turn over and cook for a further 5-10 mins until they are golden. Reduce the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4.
• Heat the coconut oil in a large, heavy-based frying pan and add the onions. Cover and sweat on a low heat for about 5 mins until softened. Add the garlic, mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, garam masala, chilli powder, cinnamon stick, cumin and ground coriander. Cook for a few secs until it starts to smell beautiful and aromatic.
• Pour the chopped tomatoes and coconut milk into the spiced onions and stir well. Check the seasoning and add a little sugar, salt or pepper to taste.
• Spoon a third of the tomato sauce on the bottom of a 2-litre ovenproof dish. Layer with half the aubergine slices. Spoon over a further third of tomato sauce, then the remaining aubergine slices, and finish with the rest of the sauce. Sprinkle over the flaked almonds and coriander (if using), reserving some to serve, and bake for 25-30 mins. Serve garnished with more coriander.

Steps:

• Place the aubergine rounds on a sheet pan lined with paper towels, and sprinkle with salt. Cover the aubergine with paper towels, and place a heavy skillet over it to press out the excess moisture. Set the pan aside for 30 minutes, and then quickly rinse the aubergine rounds, and pat dry.
• Place the gram flour, rice flour, chile powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, and mango powder into a bowl. Season the mixture with salt, to taste.
• Gradually add the cold water in a thin stream, whisking continuously to form a batter with the consistency of single cream.
• In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, pour enough oil to fill the pan about a third of the way. Heat over medium heat until a deep-frying thermometer inserted in the oil reaches 360 degrees F or until a breadcrumb sizzles and turns brown when dropped into it.
• Dip the aubergine rounds into the batter one by one and carefully lower them into the hot oil in batches. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until crisp and golden-brown on both sides, and completely cooked through. Remove the aubergine rounds from the oil with a slotted spoon, and set aside to drain on a sheet pan lined with paper towels. Keep warm on a hot plate. Repeat the process with the remaining aubergines.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a separate frying pan over a medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the curry leaves, if using, and fry for 1 to 2 minutes, or until crisp. Remove the leaves from the pan with a slotted spoon, and set aside on a sheet pan lined with paper towels, and then sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
• To serve, divide the spiced aubergines among six serving plates and garnish with the curry leaves.

Steps:

• Cut eggplant into 1cm/ 1/2 inch slices.
• Sprinkle lightly with salt and sit in colander for 30 minutes and allow to drain.
• Wipe slices dry on paper towels.
• Beat egg lightly in bowl with milk, spice and seasoning.
• Spread cornmeal on a plate.
• Heat oil for frying.
• Dip each piece of eggplant in egg mixture and allow excess to drip off, dip the slice in the cornmeal and shallow or deep fry until golden brown.
• Drain on kitchen paper and keep warm until all slices are fried.
• Serve hot.