Avocado Eggplant Curry Bake (Printable Version)
Creamy bake featuring roasted eggplant, avocado, and savory curry spices; effortlessly satisfying and vegetarian-friendly.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2 medium eggplants, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and sliced
03 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 large tomatoes, diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
→ Spices & Seasonings
07 - 2 tablespoons curry powder
08 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
10 - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
11 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Pantry & Dairy
12 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
13 - 1/2 cup coconut milk
14 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
→ Topping
15 - 1/2 cup grated mozzarella or vegan cheese alternative
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Toss eggplant cubes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Arrange on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, turning once midway, until golden and tender.
03 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for about 4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for 1 minute.
04 - Add curry powder, ground cumin, ground turmeric, and chili flakes to the skillet. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
05 - Add diced tomatoes to the skillet; cook for 5 minutes or until softened. Pour in coconut milk and bring mixture to a gentle simmer. Continue to cook for 3 minutes.
06 - Fold roasted eggplant and chopped cilantro into the skillet. Check seasoning and adjust salt and pepper if required.
07 - Layer half the eggplant curry mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with half the avocado slices. Repeat with remaining curry and avocado.
08 - Evenly sprinkle grated mozzarella or vegan cheese alternative over the top.
09 - Bake in the oven for 15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbling.
10 - Let rest for several minutes, garnish with reserved chopped cilantro, and serve warm.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Creamy texture with avocado and coconut milk
- Nutrient-rich and comforting for any season
02 -
- To make this bake vegan, simply use a plant-based cheese
- Coconut milk may not be suitable for those with tree nut allergies
03 -
- Add chickpeas or lentils for extra protein and texture
- Try mixing in spinach or peas for bright color and nutrition