1tablespoongood-quality yellow curry spice mixplus more if required
1carrotchopped into small pieces
½aubergine eggplant, chopped into small pieces
1potatochopped into small pieces
45g1½ oz/¼ cup dried red lentils
400ml14 fl oz/ 1½ cups coconut milk
1tablespoonpeanut butter
big handful of spinach
big bunch of basil
salt and pepper to taste
To serve
pomegranate seeds
chopped peanuts
squeeze of lime
coriandercilantro leaves
edible flowersoptional
Instructions
Heat a frying pan (skillet) over medium heat. Add the oil and gently fry the shallot and garlic until transparent. Then add the curry spice mix, carrot, aubergine and potato and fry for another 5 minutes.
Stir in the lentils followed by the coconut milk and simmer over low heat, covered, for 25 minutes.
Remove the lid, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt or more spice mix, add a dollop of peanut butter and stir in a handful of spinach and basil. I also love to scatter over pomegranate seeds and peanuts for extra crunch and give it a final squeeze of lime to cut through the creaminess of the curry, then throw over a few coriander leaves and edible flowers, to add some colour.
Serve as it is or with some steamed rice, quinoa or buckwheat on the side.
Notes
TIP: Curries are great when cooked in bigger batches - often they taste even better the next day because the flavours have had a chance to marry. - Bettina Campolucci Bordi pg. 48 of Happy Food or on her site