Get ready to embark on a culinary journey to the heart of India with our Simple Eggplant Lentil Curry recipe! This mouth-watering dish is a perfect blend of flavors, textures, and nutrients, all wrapped up in a deliciously aromatic package. With its rich, creamy sauce and tender lentils, this curry is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make, even for beginners! So, what are you waiting for? Dive in and discover the magic of Indian cuisine in just 45 minutes.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant, diced
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 can coconut milk
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping the eggplant into 1-inch cubes, finely dice the onion, and mince the garlic cloves.
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris or dust, then drain and set aside.
- Heat a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat with a small amount of oil.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic and curry powder to the onions, stirring continuously to prevent burning and allow the spices to become fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add diced eggplant to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the eggplant begins to soften and develop slight caramelization.
- Pour in the rinsed lentils, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Check the lentils for tenderness. If needed, add a bit more broth and continue cooking until lentils are soft but not mushy.
- Season with salt to taste, adjusting spices as preferred.
- Remove from heat and let the curry rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro or a dollop of yogurt, accompanied by rice or naan bread.
Tips
- To ensure your curry turns out rich, flavorful, and utterly delicious, follow these simple tips:* Make sure to rinse the lentils thoroughly to remove any debris or dust, which can affect the texture of the final dish. * Don't overcook the eggplant, as it can become mushy and lose its texture. * Adjust the amount of curry powder to your taste, and feel free to add other spices to give the curry your own unique flavor. * Let the curry rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. * Experiment with different toppings, such as fresh cilantro, a dollop of yogurt, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts, to add an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 0mg
