Eggplant Curry No Fry Sri Lankan Style Using Coconut Recipes

Steps:

• Preheat your broiler, placing the rack about 6 inches below the heat source. Cut the eggplant into 1/2 inch thick round slices (no need to peel). Place the slices on a baking sheet and lightly brush with about 1 tbsp of the oil, on both sides.
• Place the tray under the broiler and cook on one side for about 4 minutes, flip and do same on other side. It will depend on your broiler, you're looking for light browning on both sides. Remove and set aside to cool slightly.
• When you're able to handle the eggplant, cut the pieces into quarters. Place them in a bowl along with 1/2 tsp sea salt, the cumin, coriander, turmeric, fennel, cayenne and lime juice. Toss gently.
• Put the remaining tbsp of oil into a skillet and bring to medium-high heat. When hot, add the cinnamon stick and a few seconds later, the curry leaves if using. Stir once and then add in the sliced onion.
• Let the onion saute for a few minutes and then add in the seasoned eggplant. Mix that together and continue to cook for a few minutes.
• Add the mustard seeds to the coconut milk and pour it into the pan. As soon as it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for about 5 more minutes.
• Adjust seasonings to your taste (salt, pepper, lime juice, cayenne -- ). Serve hot with rice or flat bread.

Steps:

• Wash the eggplants, remove the stalk, and slice lengthwise into quarters.
• Cut each quarter lengthwise into 1" wide strips and then crosswise into 1" cubes.
• Heat 1-2 inches of peanut oil in a wok to medium-high heat (375F) and deep-fry the eggplant cubes in batches until golden brown (this takes around three to five minutes for each batch, adjusting oil temperature as necessary).
• Drain thoroughly on kitchen paper.
• In a medium-sized pan, heat the extra oil and saute and stir the onion until golden brown.
• Add the turmeric, cumin, coriander and mustard and stir for a couple of seconds before adding the garlic, ginger, chillies and curry leaves.
• Stir and saute for 30 seconds.
• Add the vinegar, coconut milk, salt to taste and the sugar and stir until well mixed.
• Bring slowly to the boil before adding the deep-fried eggplant cubes.
• Stir, then simmer gently on low heat until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 10 minutes.
• Taste and season with a little more sugar and/or salt as desired.