VEGAN COCONUT RED CURRY

Vegan Coconut Red Curry image

Provided by Food Network

Time 1h30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 20

3 cups water
2 cups jasmine rice, well rinsed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch-thick strips
1 zucchini, halved lengthwise, cut into 1/4-inch-thick half moons
Half an eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
Half a yellow onion, cut into 1/4-inch-thick strips
Four 14.5-ounce cans crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon garam masala (see Cook's Note)
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons ground turmeric
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
A pinch cayenne pepper, optional (see Cook's Note)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2-inch piece fresh ginger, crushed and minced
Two 13.5-ounce cans coconut milk
1/4 cup coconut oil (see Cook's Note)
2 scallions, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices, for serving
Naan or pita, for serving

Steps:

For the rice: Combine the water and rice in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil, adjust to a low simmer, cover and cook until the rice is tender, and all the water has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat and keep covered. (Tip: don't stir the rice while it's cooking.)
For the curry: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pepper, zucchini, eggplant and onion and cook, stirring, until crisp tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Combine the tomatoes, garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, salt, cayenne, garlic and ginger in a medium pot, bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes. Careful of splashing, pour in coconut milk and add the coconut oil, turn off heat and let cool for about 5 minutes. Puree with hand stick blender (or in batches in a blender) until smooth.
Add the cooked vegetables to the curry sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
Toast or grill the naan or pita bread until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Cut into pieces.
For serving: Fill bowls with some rice and then top with some curry. Sprinkle with scallion and serve with a piece of naan or pita bread.