Eggplant Curry "no-Fry" Sri Lankan Style Using Coconut

magpie diner's Note:

Another recipe courtesy of the great Madhur Jaffrey. I'm often looking for new eggplant dishes, and can't believe I haven't tried this particular recipe until today, it's really very easy. From what I've read, traditionally in this dish the eggplant would be fried - in this version it is broiled which obviously cuts down on the calories quite substantially. I also used light coconut milk. I only had one eggplant on hand today and it turned out great, a nice side-dish or main for 2. I can imagine that by using two regular eggplants you would be able to serve at least 3, if not 4, as a main. Next time you run across good looking eggplants in the store, pick a few out and give this a try! (One last note, apparently the original version of this normally calls for 2 tsp of cayenne...wow, that would be hot. 1/2 tsp, as called for here, was just about right for us, but of course, season away as you like!).

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 2 eggplants (looking for 1 pound, which is roughly 2 regular or Italian eggplants...or use the Japanese ones inst)
• 2 tablespoons canola oil (or any light oil)
• sea salt
• ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
• ½ teaspoon ground fennel
• ½ teaspoon cayenne (to taste)
• 4 teaspoons fresh lime juice (sub lemon if need be)
• 2 inches piece cinnamon bark
• 15 fresh curry leaves (or sub basil)
• 1 small onion , cut into fine half rings
• ¾ cup light coconut milk (stirred well in the can before measuring)
• 2 teaspoons ground brown mustard seeds

Directions:

1. Preheat your broiler, placing the rack about 6 inches below the heat source. Cut the eggplant into 1/2 inch thick round slices (no need to peel). Place the slices on a baking sheet and lightly brush with about 1 tbsp of the oil, on both sides.
2. Place the tray under the broiler and cook on one side for about 4 minutes, flip and do same on other side. It will depend on your broiler, you're looking for light browning on both sides. Remove and set aside to cool slightly.
3. When you're able to handle the eggplant, cut the pieces into quarters. Place them in a bowl along with 1/2 tsp sea salt, the cumin, coriander, turmeric, fennel, cayenne and lime juice. Toss gently.
4. Put the remaining tbsp of oil into a skillet and bring to medium-high heat. When hot, add the cinnamon stick and a few seconds later, the curry leaves if using. Stir once and then add in the sliced onion.
5. Let the onion saute for a few minutes and then add in the seasoned eggplant. Mix that together and continue to cook for a few minutes.
6. Add the mustard seeds to the coconut milk and pour it into the pan. As soon as it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for about 5 more minutes.
7. Adjust seasonings to your taste (salt, pepper, lime juice, cayenne -- ). Serve hot with rice or flat bread.

Reviews

[cookin_nurse]

Well I made this almost exactly as written (except i halved the fennel and cayenne pepper and used basil leaves) and we enjoyed it but didn't love it, and thats mainly because we just aren't fans of this type of cuisine. When I read the recipe I was willing to give it a try for ZWT6 since it had so many authentic asian ingredients in it, and I'm glad I did. The cayanne pepper and the cocconut flavor seemed to stand out the most. I used Fat Free Coconut Milk (For Recipes) for the coconut milk. Thanks so much!

[Chef 1278268 fitness]

tried this recipe last night and it was realy realy good. I sub fennel for aniseed and curry leave for basil from my garden. served it with Israeli cuscus cooked with onins and vegetable stock powder.