Use lentil noodles in this dish for extra protein, or swap for rice if you prefer. The ginger really makes the recipe, so don’t be tempted to use less

Ingredients:

  • 4 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 onion , finely chopped
  • 2 carrots , finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves , grated
  • 20g ginger , peeled and grated
  • 1 tbsp medium curry powder
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp maple syrup
  • 400ml can coconut milk
  • 3 tbsp cornflour
  • 100g panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 aubergines , cut into 1.5cm-thick slices
  • 250g lentil noodles
  • 1 spring onion , finely sliced
  • pickled ginger , to serve (optional)

Directions:

  • Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large, deep frying pan over a medium-low heat and cook the onions and carrots for 15 mins until starting to soften.
  • Add the garlic, ginger and curry powder and cook for 2 mins more, or until fragrant. Pour in the soy, maple syrup and coconut milk, then swill out the coconut can with a splash of water and pour that in, too.
  • Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and bubble for 10-15 mins until thickened. Season. Blitz until smoothusing a hand blender. The sauce can will keep chilled for up to two days. Leave to cool first. Reheat until piping hot. Keep warm over a low heat.
  • Heat the remaining oil in a medium frying pan over a medium-high heat. Mix the cornflour with just enough water to make a slurry. Tip the breadcrumbs onto a shallow plate. Dunk the aubergine slices in the slurry, then the breadcrumbs, coating well on both sides. Fry the aubergine slices in the hot oil for 3-4 mins on both sides until golden and crisp, then remove from the pan using a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper. Season with salt.
  • Cook the lentil noodles following pack instructions, then divide between two bowls. Top with the sauce, aubergine slices, spring onion and pickled ginger, if using

Nutrition per serving:

  • kcal1145
  • fat61g
  • saturates32g
  • carbs119g
  • sugars0g
  • fibre20g
  • protein21g
  • salt2.1g