Eggplant & Black Eyed Pea Curry

Eggplant and black eyed peas may seem like a weird combination but trust me, in this dish they're fantastic together. Eggplant and Black Eyed Pea Curry is  spicy and flavorful curry, from Isa Chandra Moskowitz that makes  the  comfort food for a frigid winter day. The black eyed peas provide a great twist to  traditional curry recipes while the two types of lentils yield the ideal creamy texture. This is one curry dish you will want to make all winter long.

Eggplant & Black Eyed Pea Curry

Gluten Free

Serves 4

Ingredients--

1 tsp extra virgin olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tsp fresh ginger, minced

3/4 lb eggplant (about 1 small or 1/2 of a large eggplant), peeled and cut into 3/4 inch chunks

2.5 tsp curry powder

1/2 tsp  fennel seed

1/8 tsp. cayenne powder  (adjust according to how desired heat level)

1/4 cup red lentils

1/4 cup brown or green lentils

1/4 cup lightly packed fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

2.5 cups vegetable broth or low sodium chicken broth, divided

1 (14.5 oz) can black eyed peas, drained

1 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoons tomato paste

Salt & Pepper

1. Preheat a medium pot over medium low heat and drizzle in the olive oil. Add garlic and ginger and saute for for 1 minute.

2. Stir in the eggplant, curry powder, fennel seed, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp. pepper and cayenne. Pour in 1/2 cup of the broth and stir curry for  2-3 minutes or until eggplant begins to cook down.

3. Add in both types of lentils, cilantro and remaining 2 cups of vegetable broth. Raise heat to high and bring to boil.

4. Once  boiling, reduce heat to medium low, cover, and let curry simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until lentils are tender and eggplant is soft. Stir from time to time.

5. Add in black eyed peas and tomato paste. Continue to simmer over low heat for 8-10 minutes to let the flavors meld. Stir in lemon juice and taste for seasoning.  

6. Scoop curry into serving bowls and garnish with additional cilanto, if desired.

Nutrition Information--approximately 190 calories per serving