Step 1

Preheat oven to 240°C / 450°F (220°C fan). Line tray with parchment/baking paper.

Step 2

Cut eggplant into 2cm / 4/5" slices, then cut into 2cm / 4/5" batons.

Step 3

Place in large bowl, toss with oil, salt and pepper.

Step 4

Spread on tray, roast 20 minutes. Turn, roast for a further 10 minutes - edges should be caramelised, soft inside, but they're not shrivelled up and dismal. Use per recipe.

Step 5

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add mustard seeds, let them sizzle for 15 seconds.

Step 6

Add curry leaves, stir, leave to sizzle for 15 seconds - seeds might pop, Indian cooking is very dramatic!

Step 7

Add onions, cook 5 minutes until golden brown.

Step 8

Add tomato, cook for 1 minute, stirring.

Step 9

Add garlic and ginger, cook 2 minutes.

Step 10

Add Curry Spices and salt, and cook for another 3 minutes - it will be a thick paste and might stick to the bottom of the pot, don't let it burn (if it starts to, remove from stove and quickly add splash of water to loosen).

Step 11

Stir in water, and then add the eggplant.

Step 12

Gently stir, partially cover, reduce heat to low and simmer 30 minutes. Stir carefully once or twice (so the eggplants don't break up completely), add more water if it dries out.

Step 13

Stir in coconut milk, taste then add more salt if needed.

Step 14

Your result should be a very thick, juicy, strongly flavoured curry with eggplant partially intact but half collapsed.

Step 15

Serve with basmati rice and a dollop of yogurt and fresh coriander leaves, if you want.