I love aubergines. Which is an odd thing because as a child I hated them, how tastes and times change. This recipe is a particular favourite of mine, not just because it is fragrantly spiced, softly spreadable and tinglingly tasty….but also because of the style of eating. I am one of those types who likes to eat with her fingers so this meal is perfect. What is hilarious, is when my oh so well brought up husband tries to eat it with a knife and fork, now that’s just silly 😉
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare the aubergine, then if you make the flatbreads whilst the aubergines bake you can be all ready to eat within an hour of starting. So it’s not super quick, but you could cheat and buy flatbread instead or use pitta.
Recipe (serves a family of 4):
Imam Bayildi
2 large aubergines (half a large aubergine does 1 adult in our house)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 x 400g tin chopped tomatoes
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp coriander
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp tomato puree
1 tsp sugar
dash lemon juice
Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 4.
Cut the aubergine in half and use a spoon to remove the flesh, leaving a cavity. Chop up the aubergine flesh.
Heat the oil in a pan and cook the onion for a couple of minutes, then add the garlic and aubergine.
Now add the tomatoes, puree, spices, sugar and lemon juice. Season and let it simmer.
Place the aubergine skins on a baking tray, spoon the mixture back into the skins and drizzle with a little olive oil.
Bake for 30 minutes at Gas Mark 4.
FlatBreads:
150g rice flour
2 tbsp dessicated coconut or grated coconut
Water
Mix the rice flour and coconut together in a bowl.
Add the water bit by bit and mix to form a dough. I find this easiest after a while to do on a worksurface.
Using a floured surface divide the mixture into 6-8 pieces.
Use the palm of your hand and fingers to flatten each piece to a round.
Cook in a dry pan for a few minutes on each side, the flatbreads should look mottled.
Serve the aubergine with flatbreads, use the flatbread to scoop it out or spread it on. Get messy and enjoy.