Roasted Eggplant Takes This Vegetarian Curry To The Next Level

This hearty, spicy eggplant curry is a bold mix of smoky paprika, bright turmeric, creamy ghee, and rich coconut milk. Served with cooling Greek yogurt, it makes a stunning main course.

Smoky Roasted Eggplant Curry

Yield: 6 servings
Active Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

2 pounds eggplant
Sea salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons ghee
2 medium onions, sliced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 3/4 teaspoons cardamom
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/3 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon ground turmeric
4 large garlic cloves, peeled and slivered
1-inch chunk of ginger, peeled and finely chopped
1 pound ripe Roma tomatoes, diced
1 can coconut milk
Chopped cilantro, for garnish
Greek yogurt, for garnish

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Cut eggplant into 2-inch square chunks. Place on prepared baking sheet and toss to coat with 1 teaspoon each of salt and olive oil. Roast until golden, about 25 minutes, rotating the pan and mixing halfway through.

Meanwhile, heat the ghee in a large heavy-bottomed pot. Add onion with the heat on high, stir for 1 minute, and turn heat down to medium-low to cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are golden, 8 to 10 minutes.

Stir in chili powder, cardamom, and smoked paprika and allow flavors to get fragrant. Stir in ground coriander, black pepper, turmeric, garlic, and ginger. Cook for a few minutes more, stirring constantly, then stir in chopped tomatoes, coconut milk, 1/2 cup water, and the roasted eggplant.

Bring curry to a simmer, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for around 25 minutes. The sauce should have reduced and thickened slightly.

Serve warm with chopped cilantro and plain Greek yogurt.

Photo credit: Paul Delmont