Ginger Tamarind Eggplant

Ginger Tamarind Eggplant Recipe from Afghanistan

Region / culture: Afghanistan | Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Ginger Tamarind Eggplant is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the unique flavors of tamarind, ginger, and spices with tender eggplant. This dish is perfect for those looking to add a little spice and tanginess to their meal.

History

The origins of this recipe can be traced back to South Asian cuisine, where tamarind and ginger are commonly used to add depth of flavor to dishes. The combination of these ingredients with eggplant creates a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients

1.5 inch-round ball tamarind
0.25 cup boiling water
1 lb (454 g) thin, long eggplant
3 tbsp light vegetable oil
1.5 tsp minced garlic
2 tsp ground coriander
0.25 tsp ground cinnamon
0.13 tsp ground cloves
0.5 cup packed flaked coconut (fresh or canned, unsweetened)
1 tsp cayenne pepper (or more)
0.5 tsp coarse salt (or to taste)
2 tbsp unsulphured molasses or brown sugar
0.5 tsp black mustard seeds
ginger-tamarind sauce
tamarind residue from above
0.5 cup boiling water
0.5 tsp cornstarch
1 tbsp shredded fresh ginger

How to prepare

Place the tamarind in a nonmetallic bowl. Add 0.25 cup of boiling water and let it soak for 30 minutes. Mash the pulp and extract as much juice as possible. Pour all the liquid into a bowl and save the fibrous residue for making the sauce.
Slit the eggplants lengthwise, leaving 0.75 inch of the stem end intact so that each eggplant remains in one piece.
Measure out the spices and place them next to the stove in separate piles. Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Add the garlic and fry for 30 seconds. Add the coriander, cinnamon, and cloves; fry for an additional 15 seconds. Stir in the coconut and cayenne pepper; continue frying and stirring until lightly toasted (about 2 minutes). Turn off the heat and stir in the salt, tamarind liquid, and molasses. Mix well.
Stuff the eggplants with the spicy coconut mixture and secure them by wrapping thread around them.
Heat the remaining 1 tbsp of oil in the same pan over medium-high heat. When it is hot, add the mustard seeds. Keep a pot lid handy, as the seeds may spatter and fly all over. When the seeds stop spattering, add the eggplants in one layer. Fry the eggplants, turning them often, for 3 or 4 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium or medium-low and cook them, covered, for 10 to 12 minutes or until they are soft and cooked through. Turn off the heat. Transfer them to a serving platter, pour the ginger-tamarind sauce over them, and serve immediately.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers to the stuffing mixture for added flavor and texture.
Substitute the eggplant with zucchini or bell peppers for a different twist on the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to soak the tamarind in hot water for at least 30 minutes to extract as much juice as possible.

- Toasting the coconut and spices before stuffing the eggplant adds a depth of flavor to the dish.

- Be careful when frying the mustard seeds, as they may spatter and pop.

- Serve the dish immediately after pouring the ginger-tamarind sauce over the eggplant for the best flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Ginger Tamarind Eggplant with steamed rice or naan bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Frying, stuffing, and simmering are the main cooking techniques used in this recipe.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have tamarind, you can substitute with lemon juice or vinegar.

- Use any type of eggplant that is available to you for this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the stuffing mixture and stuff the eggplant ahead of time, then fry and simmer just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro or mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a side of cucumber raita or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 5g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Folate.

Alergens

This recipe contains coconut and mustard seeds, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

This dish is a flavorful and nutritious option for those looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet. It is rich in vitamins and minerals and provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Summary

Ginger Tamarind Eggplant is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for those looking to add a little spice and tanginess to their meal. With a balance of flavors and nutrients, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Ginger Tamarind Eggplant. It was a warm summer day, and I had been invited to a potluck dinner at a friend's house. As I walked into the kitchen, I was immediately drawn to the delicious aroma coming from a large pot on the stove.

My friend's mother, Mrs. Patel, was busy stirring the pot, her hands moving with practiced ease as she added spices and herbs to the bubbling mixture. I couldn't help but ask her what she was cooking, and she smiled warmly at me before revealing the secret behind the tantalizing scent - Ginger Tamarind Eggplant.

Mrs. Patel explained that this recipe was a family favorite, passed down through generations. She had learned it from her own mother, who had learned it from her grandmother, and so on. The dish was a harmonious blend of flavors - the sweetness of tamarind, the spiciness of ginger, and the earthiness of eggplant all coming together in perfect harmony.

I was mesmerized by Mrs. Patel's skill in the kitchen, her hands moving with grace and precision as she cooked. I watched intently as she chopped the eggplant into bite-sized pieces, the bright purple skin glistening under the kitchen lights. She then prepared a paste of ginger, tamarind, and spices, which she added to the eggplant along with a splash of water.

As the dish simmered on the stove, the aroma filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. Mrs. Patel explained that the key to the recipe was to let the flavors meld together slowly, allowing the eggplant to absorb the tangy tamarind and fragrant ginger.

After a few hours of simmering, Mrs. Patel ladled the Ginger Tamarind Eggplant into a serving dish, the deep purple color of the eggplant contrasting beautifully with the golden tamarind sauce. I eagerly spooned a generous portion onto my plate, unable to resist taking a bite before the dish had even made its way to the dinner table.

The flavors exploded in my mouth - the sweetness of the tamarind was perfectly balanced by the sharpness of the ginger, while the tender eggplant melted in my mouth. I couldn't get enough of this delicious dish, and I made sure to ask Mrs. Patel for the recipe before I left that evening.

Since then, Ginger Tamarind Eggplant has become a staple in my own kitchen. I have made it countless times for family and friends, each time eliciting the same sense of wonder and delight that I felt when I first tasted it at Mrs. Patel's house.

I have shared the recipe with anyone who asks, passing on the tradition of this delicious dish to others. And as I cook it in my kitchen, I am reminded of Mrs. Patel and her skillful hands, guiding me through the steps of creating a dish that is not just food, but a piece of culinary art.

So whenever I make Ginger Tamarind Eggplant, I am transported back to that warm summer day in my friend's kitchen, watching Mrs. Patel work her magic and feeling a sense of wonder at the power of a simple recipe to bring people together and create lasting memories.