AUBERGINE AND SQUASH STEW AFGHANI STYLE
This is a brilliant vegetarian or vegan winter warmer which can be made ahead and reheated, or frozen in batches, making it perfect for a healthy and hearty mid week dinner. Don't be put off by the long list of ingredients as it's actually pretty quick to make.
INGREDIENTS (serves 2-4 depending on appetite or double up to make a larger batch)
- 1 tbsp of rapeseed oil
- 1 large or 2 medium onions finely sliced
- 1 tsp of cumin seeds
- 3-4 garlic cloves finely chopped
- thumb sized piece of ginger finely chopped
- 1 tsp ground tumeric
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp grated nutmeg
- 1/4 butternut squash peeled and cut into large chunks
- 1 aubergine cut into cubes
- small bag of spinach or 3-4 frozen spinach cubes
- small can of chopped tomatoes
- 400g can of chickpeas drained
- zest of an unwaxed lemon
- 2 tbsps of pine nuts toasted
- small handfull of sultanans
- 2 tbsps of natural yogurt (or dairy free alternative)
- 2 tsps of garam masala
- large handful of chopped mint
METHOD
- In a large saucepan or casserole pan heat the oil then add the cumin seeds and onions and fry on a low heat until lightly golden - around 5 minutes
- Whilst this is doing, in a small frying pan add the pine nuts on a medium heat and toast until they start to colour, then set aside
- Add the garlic, ginger and chilli and fry for a few more minutes - if it looks like it's catching add some water. Burnt garlic is not nice!
- Next add the other spices - cumin, coriander, tumeric, cinnamon and nutmeg and cook them for a few more minutes
- Add the tomatoes, aubergine, squash, lemon zest, chickpeas, sultanas and pine nuts and add around 300-500 ml of water depending on the consistency you want.
- Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes
- Check the aubergine and squash are cooked then add the spinach, garam masala and yogurt. Allow the spinach to wilt then season and serve. I like it with brown basmati rice and flatbreads.
Notes: For a more intense flavour you can roast the aubergine and squash beforehand until nicely caramelised. This will reduce the simmering stage.