Ingredients

3medium eggplants

¼cupolive oil

sea salt,to taste

½tspfreshly ground pepper,plus more to taste

¼cupcoconut oil

½medium white onion,chopped

1tspchili powder

2tspground cardamom

1tspsmoked paprika

1tspground coriander

1tbspground turmeric

3garlic cloves,minced

1tspginger,peeled and minced

3roma tomatoes,ripe, diced, medium size

15ozcoconut milk

½cupwater

rice,cooked, for serving

fresh cilantro,chopped, for serving

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Slice the tops off the eggplants, then slice them in half lengthwise. Cut each half once more lengthwise. Lay the slices on their flat sides and cut lengthwise into thirds. Slice horizontally to form cubes.

Transfer to a baking sheet, drizzle with the olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Bake for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown.

In a large saucepan, heat the coconut oil over high hat. Add the onions, stir for 1 minute, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes, until the onions are golden brown.

Stir in the chili powder, cardamom, and smoked paprika. Cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.

Stir in the ground coriander, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, turmeric, garlic, and ginger. Cook for a few minutes more, stirring constantly.

Add the chopped tomatoes, coconut milk, water, and the roasted eggplant.

Bring the curry to a simmer, then reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes. The sauce should reduce and thicken slightly.

Serve the curry warm over rice, topped with chopped cilantro. Enjoy!