Best Curried Eggplant Aubergine Dip Recipes

SOUTH INDIAN EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) CURRY

Steps:

• In a cast iron or other heavy skillet, roast coconut powder, poppy seeds, sesame seeds and cumin seeds over low heat until light brown.
• Remove from pan to stop the cooking and cool.
• Put this coconut mixture in a food processor and process until it's grainy, reserve in a dish.
• Grind the roasted channa dal in a spice grinder until it is a fine powder and add to the coconut mixture.
• In a food processor, process the peanuts until they are coarsely ground.
• Wash and stem the eggplants.
• Cut each eggplant 2/3 into the wide end up to the stem - making an "X" - leave the stem end intact.
• Heat 1/4 cup oil in a skillet and cook the eggplants on low until soft.
• In a separate pan, heat the 2 tablespoons of oil to medium hot.
• Add the 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds to the hot oil.
• In a matter of seconds they will begin to pop - add the onions and stir.
• When the onions are beginning to brown, add the ginger garlic paste and the turmeric, cumin, coriander powder, chili powder and salt.
• Stir the spices into the onion then add the tomatoes.
• Stir in the tomatoes then add the coconut mixture along with the peanuts.
• Add the eggplants and 1 cup of the water.
• Stir and cook over low heat, covered for about 20 minutes.
• Add water a little at a time to maintain a nice smooth consistency.
• Add garam masala and 2 1/2 tablespoons of the chopped fresh coriander - stir.
• Check to see that it is salted to your taste.
• Put in a serving dish and garnish with the remaining chopped coriander.

CURRIED (AUBERGINE) EGGPLANT

Steps:

• Toss eggplant with 1 teaspoon salt in a colander set over a bowl, then let drain 30 minutes; Rinse eggplant, then drain, pressing gently on eggplant to extract any excess liquid.
• While eggplant drains, mash garlic, ginger, and jalapeno to a paste with 1/2 teaspoon salt, using a mortar and pestle (or mince and mash with a large heavey knife and transfer to a cup), Then stir in mustard seeds, cumin seeds and turmeric.
• Heat oil in a 5-quart heavy pot, over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then saute onion, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Add spice paste and cinnamon stick, then reduce heat to moderate and cook, stirring for 1 minute.
• Add eggplant and cook, stirring until it begins to soften, about 3 minutes; Stir in water, brown sugar, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and simmer covered, stirring occasionally, until eggplant is tender, BUT NOT falling apart, about 20 to 25 minutes.
• Season eggplant with more salt IF needed, discard cinnamon stick and serve eggplant sprinkled with cilantro and cashews.

SPICY SPANISH EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) DIP

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450°.
• Pierce eggplants several times with a fork; place on a baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes turning often, until blackened.Cool slightly; peel. Drain eggplant pulp in a colander for 5 minutesthen chop.
• Combine tomato paste and next 5 ingredients (through ground red pepper) in a small bowl, stirring until smooth.
• Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add onion and garlic cook 6 minutes , stirring occasionally. Stir in eggplant, tomato paste mixture, and anchovies; cook 10 minutes.
• Remove from heat; stir in parsley and spoon it into a bowl. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour.
• Makes 12 1/2 servings.