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Fia's Lamb & Eggplant Curry

Serves 6

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs. lamb stew meat cut into 1.5 to 2 inch cubes
  • 2 large eggplant
  • 3 medium potatoes
  • 2 red bell peppers
  • 2 medium onion chopped
  • 1 14 oz. can of coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 2 tablespoons minced ginger root
  • 7 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne or other hot red pepper less or more, to taste
  • 1 cup cilantro chopped
  • Salt & pepper

Method
 

To prepare
  1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit with a rack in the upper third of the oven. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the eggplant from sticking to the pan. Halve the eggplants lengthwise and brush the cut sides lightly with olive oil. Place them in the prepared pan with the halved sides down.
  2. Roast the eggplant until the interior is very tender throughout and the skin is collapsing, about 35 to 40 minutes (this might take longer if you are using 1 large eggplant). Set the eggplant aside to cool for a few minutes. Flip the eggplants over and scoop out the flesh with a large spoon, leaving the skin behind.
  3. Place a mesh strainer over a mixing bowl, then transfer the flesh to the strainer and discard the skins. Pick out any stray bits of eggplant skin and discard. You want to remove as much moisture from the eggplant here as possible, so let the eggplant rest for a few minutes and shake/stir the eggplant to release some more moisture. Discard the liquid.
  4. In a heavy bottomed pot, heat some oil and brown the lamb in batches and set aside.
  5. Heat more oil in the same pot. Add the onion and cook until it begins to turn golden. Add the bell pepper and cook for a few more minutes. Clear a spot in the center of the skillet and sprinkle the cumin seeds directly on the hot surface. Stir and toast them for about a minute, until they become fragrant. Stir them into the onions and peppers and add the coriander, turmeric, asafetida (or garlic), tomatoes, ginger paste, and red pepper.
  6. Add the lamb back to the pot and add stock and coconut milk just to cover. Simmer for at least 45 minutes or until the lamb is cooked very tender.
  7. Add the eggplant and cook over medium heat, pressing eggplant with the back of a spoon to break up large pieces, for about 10 minutes. Add the chickpeas and enough water or chickpea cooking liquid to keep the mixture moist, cover tightly, and turn heat to low. Cook for at least 15 minutes, stirring periodically, until sauce has thickened and flavors have blended. (You can hold this dish on low for up to 45 minutes while you prepare the rest of your meal, but add additional liquid as needed and don’t forget to stir, scraping the bottom.)
  8. https://cookieandkate.com/epic-baba-ganoush-recipe/
  9. http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/2011/01/eggplant-and-chickpea-curry.html