Shahi Baingan (Eggplant Curry)
Shahi Baingan is a rich, tasty and very decadent way to curry aubergines!

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  Serves:  4       Print   

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Ingredients
  • 500 g (16 oz) aubergine / eggplant
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee
  • 1 tbsp jaggery or soft brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp garlic & ginger paste
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp chilli powder
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp garam masala
For the paste
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 tbsp unsalted cashews
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee
  • 1 tsp fennel seeds
  • 1 tsp coriander seeds
  • 1 tsp tamarind concentrate
  • 4-6 cloves according to taste
Instructions
  1. Trim the top and bottom off the aubergine and cut into 3 cm (1½") chunks. Place the chunks in a large bowl of water and allow to soak for 15 minutes, then drain.
Prepare the paste
  1. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a pan over a medium heat. Add the fennel seeds, coriander seeds and cloves and stir-fry for about 1 minute.
  2. Add the onion and stir-fry for about 5 minutes or until the onions start to turn brown.
  3. Add the cashews and continue to stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Remove from the heat and whizz in a food processor or herb mill together with the tamarind concentrate. Add a tbsp or two of water is necessary to give a smooth paste.
Make the curry
  1. Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil on a pan over a medium heat. Add the coriander, chilli and turmeric. Stir-fry for 30 seconds.
  2. Add the drained aubergine and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add the prepared paste, the garlic & ginger paste and 125 ml (4 fl oz) of water. Mix well.
  4. Cover and cook on a low heat for 5-10 minutes or until the aubergines are tender.
  5. Add the salt, garam masala and jaggery. Mix well before serving.
Titli's Tips
The gravy for this curry should be nice and thick. If yours isn't simply simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to thicken the gravy.

Nutrition Facts
Amount Per Serving       % Daily Value
Calories 220 11%
Calories from Fat 146
Total Fat 16.3g 25%
Saturated Fat 8.8g 44%
Unsaturated Fat 7.7g
   
Amount Per Serving       % Daily Value
Total Carbohydrate 15.4g 5%
Dietary Fibre 4.1g 16%
Sugars 0.4g
Protein 3.3g 6%
Cholesterol 32.0mgs 10%
Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet.