TAMARIND AUBERGINE WITH BLACK RICE, MINT & FETA

Tamarind aubergine with black rice, mint & feta image

Aim to impress vegetarian dinner party guests with a modern meat-free main, flavoured with tangy tamarind paste, chilli and sesame seeds

Provided by Georgina Fuggle

Categories Dinner, Lunch, Main course, Side dish, Vegetable

Time 1h5m

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

2 large aubergines
4 tsp tamarind paste
2 tsp sesame oil
1 red chilli , deseeded and thinly sliced
1 tbsp sesame seeds
200g black rice
6 spring onions , finely sliced
100g feta , crumbled
2 small packs mint , roughly chopped
small pack coriander , roughly chopped, reserving a few leaves, to serve
zest 1 large lime
2 tbsp dark soy sauce
juice 1 lime
5cm/2in piece ginger , peeled and finely grated (juices and all)
pinch of sugar

Steps:

Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Cut the aubergines in half lengthways and, with the tip of a knife, score the flesh deeply in a criss-cross diamond pattern - but don't pierce the skin. Press on the edges of the halves to open the cuts. In a small bowl, combine the tamarind paste and sesame oil. Brush the mixture over the aubergine, pushing it into the cuts. Place on a baking tray, sprinkle over the chilli and sesame seeds, then roast, cut-side up, for 25-35 mins or until the flesh is really soft.
Put the rice in a small sieve and wash under running water for 1 min until the water runs clear. Tip the rice into a small saucepan and add 650ml cold water. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer for about 35 mins until the rice is tender. Drain under cold running water.
Make the dressing by whisking all the ingredients together with a pinch of salt. Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding a little more sugar, salt or lime juice, if you like.
In a big bowl, mix together the black rice, spring onions, feta, mint, chopped coriander, and the lime zest and dressing. Sprinkle the reserved coriander leaves over the aubergine halves and serve with the rice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 355 calories, Fat 10 grams fat, SaturatedFat 4 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 46 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 11 grams sugar, Fiber 11 grams fiber, Protein 16 grams protein, Sodium 2.3 milligram of sodium