Vegetable Curry
Aloo baingan matar is a mild Indian vegetable dish with aubergine, potatoes, peas, and tomato. Fennel seeds and ground coriander seeds build the base flavour; chilli powder and green chilli provide the heat. It works as a side with rice and dal, or as a main course with chapati.
The vegetables are not fixed. Use whatever is in season: cauliflower, green beans, courgette. The key is to cut them into pieces that will be tender at the same time as the potatoes.
The sauce thickens and becomes slightly coating as the tomatoes and vegetables simmer together. No cream, no coconut milk – the vegetables’ own juices and the tomato do the work.
Ingredients
Serves 4
- 3 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp fennel seeds
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tsp chilli powder
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 2.5 cm fresh ginger, chopped
- 2 aubergines, sliced
- 175 g peas, fresh or frozen
- 125 g potatoes, diced
- 250 g tinned plum tomatoes
- 4 green chillies, sliced
- salt
Directions
Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the fennel seeds and fry for a few seconds until fragrant.
Add the onion and fry until soft and golden, 5–7 minutes.
Stir in the chilli powder, ground coriander, ginger, and a pinch of salt. Fry, stirring, for 2 minutes.
Add the aubergine, peas, and potatoes. Fry for 5 minutes, stirring regularly, so the vegetables take on a little colour.
Add the tomatoes with their juice and the sliced green chillies. Stir, cover, and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the sauce is coating.
Season with salt and serve.
Notes
Active time about 20 minutes, cooking time 30 minutes.
Other vegetables work well depending on the season – cauliflower, green beans, or courgette are all fine. Cut them into pieces that will be tender at the same time as the potatoes.
For more heat, leave the seeds in the green chillies. For a milder dish, remove them first.
The dish can be made ahead and tastes better the next day. Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days.
See Also
Cucumber Raita (Kheera Raita)
Mint Raita
Green Chutney
