Name: Aubergine & chickpea curry
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2 aubergines; 2 tbsp sunflower oil plus extra to serve, if you like; 1 tbsp brown or black mustard seeds; 10-12 curry leaves plus extra to serve, if you like; 2 onions finely chopped; 2 dried chillies chopped; 4 tsp garam masala; 2 tsp ground coriander; 2 tsp turmeric; 400ml can coconut milk; 6 tomatoes quartered; 400g chickpeas rinsed and drained

Aubergine & chickpea curry

With golden aubergine, fresh tomatoes and a fragrant coconut sauce, this veggie curry's a surefire summertime winner

1 hr 10 min total 20 min prep 50 min cook 6 261 cal

Instructions

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1 Halve the aubergines, then cut each half into wedges. Heat ½ tbsp oil in a large pan, preferably non-stick, and brown half the aubergines for 2-3 mins on each side until golden brown and crisp all over. Scoop onto a plate, repeat with more oil and the remaining aubergines, then set everything aside.
2 Add the remaining oil to the pan with the mustard seeds and curry leaves and fry for 30 secs until fragrant. Stir in the onions and continue cooking until they are softened and beginning to brown. Add the dried chillies and spices with a spoonful of the thick coconut milk from the top of the can, then fry for 1 min more. Add the remaining coconut milk, tomatoes and half a can of water. Simmer for 25-30 mins until thick and saucy.
3 Stir in the chickpeas and aubergines. Continue simmering for 5 mins or so, until everything is hot and the aubergines are tender. Serve with rice or warm naan bread, scattered with a few extra curry leaves sizzled in a splash of oil, if you like.