Eggplant and Tomato Curry

This is savory, complex and delicious and uses Thai red curry paste to create a lot of flavor quickly. You can serve it over potatoes instead of rice.   Variation Green beans would be a wonderful addition here. Add them at the same time you add the tomato sauce and coconut milk. If you don't have time to make tomato sauce and have fresh tomatoes, add fresh, chopped tomatoes to the curry paste after you've fried it for a few minutes and let reduce a bit before adding the eggplant and remainder of the coconut milk. Use green curry paste if you don't have red  ... Read more »

Eggplant and Tomato Curry

This is savory, complex and delicious and uses Thai red curry paste to create a lot of flavor quickly. You can serve it over potatoes instead of rice.

 

Variation

  • Green beans would be a wonderful addition here. Add them at the same time you add the tomato sauce and coconut milk.
  • If you don’t have time to make tomato sauce and have fresh tomatoes, add fresh, chopped tomatoes to the curry paste after you’ve fried it for a few minutes and let reduce a bit before adding the eggplant and remainder of the coconut milk.
  • Use green curry paste if you don’t have red

 

Serves 4-6

 

3 Japanese eggplants or globe or Italian eggplant, cut into 2 x 3″ chunks (about 8 cups)

2 tablespoons oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons red curry paste (or green, see Variations above)

2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced or grated on a microplane (optional)

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

1/4 -1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste

1 1/2 cups tomato sauce (I use this method if I have fresh tomatoes)

1 can full-fat coconut milk

Cilantro and scallions, for garnish

Rice or potatoes (see headnote) for serving

 

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add eggplant chunks and 1/2 teaspoon salt and saute over fairly high heat, stirring often for about 5 minutes. Then cover the pan and cook until eggplant begins to collapse and brown in places, another 5 minutes or so. Remove from pan and set aside.

 

2. Put solid/fat part of the coconut milk in a dutch oven or large saucepan over medium heat. Add curry paste, ginger, if using and spices and mix well. Fry this mixture for about 3 minutes then add the eggplant and combine well and cook for a minute or two. Add the tomato sauce and remaining coconut milk and salt. Bring to a simmer and cook, partially covered for about 15 minutes until thickened a bit. Serve hot over rice or potatoes.

10 thoughts on “Eggplant and Tomato Curry”

  • This is an absolutely fantastic recipe. Easy, fast and so good we had to negotiate who would get the leftovers.
    I highly recommend it for anyone who thinks they don’t like eggplant.

  • Jean Stewart says:

    This is the third time I e made this dish and I love it
    How long does red curry paste last after opened?
    Hope you’re well. Thanks, Jean.

    • cookwithwhatyouhave says:

      Well that’s a tricky question. Most jarred types I’ve had have an expiration date of several months out but I have definitely been known to use it far after that. Your nose should tell you. Many of the ingredients in the curry paste are pretty naturally “preserving” so it’s pretty stable. So glad you like the dish!

  • Magda Mahler says:

    I loved the flavours in this recipe. I added the green beans, zucchini and some tofu to add some protein. Green onions, cilantro and peanuts on the top were nice as well. A delicious recipe that used all the produce in my farm box this week!

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