Indian Spiced Aubergine with Golden Basmati Rice and Nigella yoghurt

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 200°C. Remove the stalk top from the aubergine and slice into 1cm thick rounds. Halve, peel and thinly slice the red onion into half moons. Halve, then remove the core from the red pepper and chop into 1cm cubes. Peel and grate the ginger and garlic (or use a garlic press). Halve the red chilli lengthways, deseed and finely chop.

Step 2

Mix a pinch of salt, the pasanda spice blend (add less if you don't like spice!) and the olive oil (amount specified in the ingredient list) together in a large mixing bowl. Add the aubergine and onion and coat in the oil. Pop the aubergine and onion on a baking tray, making sure the aubergine slices don't overlap! Roast on the middle shelf of your oven until the aubergine is soft and golden, 20-25 mins, turn halfway through.

Step 3

Meanwhile, heat a glug of oil in a large saucepan on medium heat. Add the pepper, stirring frequently and cook until soft, 3-4 mins. Add the ginger and the garlic. Cook for 1 minute more. Stir in the turmeric, basmati rice, water (amount specified in the ingredient list) and vegetable stock pot. Stir well to dissolve and bring the mixture to the boil.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low and pop a lid on the pan. Cook for 10 mins, then remove from the heat and set aside (still covered) for another 10 mins. TIP: The rice will finish cooking in its own steam.

Step 5

While the rice and aubergine cook, roughly chop the coriander (stalks and all). Spoon the Greek yoghurt into a small bowl. Stir in half the coriander and the nigella seeds.

Step 6

Fluff up the rice with a fork and stir through a little of the coriander. Taste and add some salt and pepper if necessary. Serve the Indian spiced aubergine on top of a generous portion of golden rice and finish with dollops of nigella yoghurt and a sprinkling of remaining coriander. Add some red chilli for a real kick. Enjoy!