Stuffed Aubergine (Vegan, DF, GF)
This is a recipe that I saw in Vegetarian Living and adapted to add in some Indian Flair to deepen the flavour profile. I had pulled it out the mag with a note to adapt and when my father in law handed me some Eggplant/Aubergine and Tomatoes straight out of his garden, I knew this was the recipe to make
It is a great technique for an Eggplant, as letting some of the water come out and taking strips of the skin off before baking, makes for a softer inside
I love the depth of flavour I was able to get with this; it is very satisfying and a real changing of the season’s dish. Mr B is a big fan of Eggplant and Spicy Tomatoes and I added some extra spice for him, which you can adapt to your own palate. You can also double up the batch for the tomato topping and use it on something else. I like to eat it on it’s own with a little rice sometimes adding some chickpea’s or even on toast for a mid day treat
Ingredients
- 2 large aubergines/eggplant
- 1 tbsp. salt
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 3 shallots, finely diced
- 1 Jalapeno, finely diced (optional)
- Handful of basil, chiffon/chopped
- Handful of coriander, chopped
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
- 1 tsp. ground coriander
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
- ½. Tsp. garam masala
- 6 plum tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 inch ginger, finely chopped
Method
- Preheat the oven
- Partially peel the aubergines, lengthways, alternating to create strips. Leave the crowns in tact
- Sprinkle with salt and place in a sieve to let some of the water come out. Leave for 30 minutes and wipe with a paper towel once done
- Brush with olive oil and roast for 25 minutes
- Whilst the aubergine is cooking, add oil to a pan and fry the shallots until starting to turn golden, c. 3 minutes
- Add the ginger, garlic, chilli, basil and coriander, cook for 1 minute
- Season with cumin, coriander, paprika and garam masala
- Add to combine and cook the spices a little
- Once spices are starting to give off fragrance, add the tomatoes. Cook down and add salt and pepper to your own taste
- Meanwhile take out the aubergine and slice down the middle, making sure not to cut to the bottom
- Stuff the aubergine with the mixture, turn off the oven and let it bake until the aubergine is soft and pillowy
- Serve with rice, almond yogurt or eat on its own (this is what I do)
