Eggplant Curry with Chickpeas and Tofu
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Have you tried making eggplant curry yet? I believe it’s one of the best ways to make curry – I love the way eggplant soaks up all the goodness from the spices, being loaded with flavor, while also bringing its own earthy and smoky richness. Let me show you how it’s done!
The first time I lived on my own, I signed up for a weekly veggie box from the local farm. It was budget-friendly and fun – I loved the mystery of what I’d get each week, until I kept getting eggplants, and had no idea what to do with them. At first, I’d just cube them and saute them. Then, I realized just how well they absorb flavor – like little sponges! I knew they’d be amazing in a curry.
This eggplant curry (aubergine curry) has become one of my favorite vegetarian recipes. I love how it’s deeply flavorful, full of veggies, and easy to make. It tastes like it’s been simmering away all day long, but it takes just 35 minutes to hit the table.
Key eggplant curry recipe ingredients
This delicious eggplant curry recipe is full of flavorful ingredients. Here’s everything you need to make it:
- Medium-firm tofu: medium-firm tofu has a nice texture and holds together in this curry, but firm tofu also works.
- Asian eggplant: also known as Japanese eggplant, this variety of eggplant is sweeter and more tender than than standard eggplants.
- Spices: we use a mix of garam masala, cumin seeds, turmeric, sea salt, and dried chili flakes.
- Brown sugar: a bit of brown sugar gives the curry a subtle sweetness. You can also use coconut sugar or cane sugar if that’s what you have on hand.
- Chickpeas: chickpeas add protein and great texture to this vegetarian curry.
How to make eggplant curry
This Indian eggplant recipe is a quick and delicious one-pot dinner for weeknights. Browning the tofu and eggplant first gives it an extra boost of flavor. Here’s how we make it in a couple of easy steps:
- Fry the tofu in coconut oil until golden and then set it aside.
- Use the same pan to brown the eggplant, and set it aside as well.
- Cook the onion, ginger, and garlic with the spices and tomato paste.
- Make the sauce by adding the coconut milk, water, and sugar to the tomato mixture. Add the eggplant, and simmer until it’s soft (but not mushy).
- Stir in the chickpeas and tofu, and garnish with fresh minced cilantro. That’s it!
What to serve with eggplant chickpea curry
For a well-rounded meal, serve this eggplant curry with warm Indian flatbread and some freshly cooked basmati rice. If you’re feeding a crowd, it pairs perfectly with other curries and Indian dishes like palak paneer.
How to store eggplant curry
Leftover curry tastes great warmed up for lunch or dinner the next day. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in your fridge for 3-4 days.
Can you freeze eggplant curry?
Yes, this eggplant with curry freezes well. Once it’s cool, transfer the curry to a freezer-safe container and store it in your freezer for up to 3 months.
Eggplant Curry with Chickpeas and Tofu
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil (divided)
- 16 ounce package of medium-firm tofu (cubed and dried with paper towel)
- 2 long Asian eggplants (diced)
- 1 medium onion (very thinly sliced (use a mandolin, if you have one))
- ¼ cup minced ginger
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- ½ tablespoon EACH: cumin seeds, turmeric, sea salt
- Optional: ½ teaspoon chili flakes
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 14 ounce can coconut milk (400ml)
- ½ can water (measured from the empty coconut milk can)
- 2 teaspons brown sugar
- 15 ounce can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- Cilantro (to serve)
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of the coconut oil in a large, non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the dried tofu and pan fry until golden brown on 2 sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from the pan.16 ounce package of medium-firm tofu
- Heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in the pan used for the tofu. Brown the eggplant on all sides, working in batches if needed. Remove the eggplant from the pan.2 long Asian eggplants
- Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in the same pan used for the eggplant. Add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until it softens. Add the ginger and garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the garam masala, cumin seeds, and turmeric to the pan and let them toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add the sea salt, optional chili flakes (if using), and the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.1 medium onion, ¼ cup minced ginger, 4 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon garam masala, ½ tablespoon EACH: cumin seeds, turmeric, sea salt, Optional: ½ teaspoon chili flakes, ¼ cup tomato paste
- Add the coconut milk, water, and sugar to the pan, bring it to a boil, and stir, scraping the bottom for any stuck-on bits. Add the eggplant back into the pan and turn the heat to low. Let the eggplant cook, covered, for 12-15 minutes, or until it is soft but not mushy.14 ounce can coconut milk, ½ can water, 2 teaspons brown sugar
- Stir the chickpeas and tofu into the curry and let them heat through. Serve with rice and some cilantro on top.15 ounce can chickpeas, Cilantro
Video
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
I’ve made this curry 6-8 times, can’t remember now. It’s a huge hit! I can’t stop eating it, it’s so delicious. So easy to follow the steps, and the result is delicious every time. Amazing! Big thumbs up ❤️
That is really wonderful to hear! Thank you!
I did make this carefully and as written, with the optional red pepper flakes and fresh spices. Sadly and surprisingly, we found it lacking flavor, though the textures were nice-very satisfying.
Amazing recipe with so many textures and delightful flavors. Husband claims he doesn’t like curry. Needless to say he went back for seconds and enjoyed cleaning the pan. Loved the recipe format with measurements of ingredients within directions of recipe so you don’t have to scroll up, down and all around.
Yeah nah, sorry… this was lost in flavours. Couldn’t tell you what it was lacking, but definitely needed tweaking!
I think the tofu is really unnecessary, I would replace it with a green. Honestly, this isn’t the best recipe. Let’s just say, it’s very Western if you know what I mean…
This had so many wonderful views, I made it and instantly fell in love. I also went out and got another eggplant to repeat the recipe and I don’t have to explain why its absolutely de-lish-us!!!!!
Thank you
Can’t wait to make this! Think I can do all the steps (after he eggplant and tofu) in an instant pot cooker? Have you an idea on time frame to cook it at ?
I’m sorry but I’m not familiar with cooking in an Instant Pot. I should really buy one soon!
I think I have just made the best curry of my life using this recipe. I am a big foodie and have loved cooking since I was 16, 59 now and honestly wow! Thankyou!
This was soooo delicious and versatile! I added more veggies and served it over brown rice – perfect for Meatless Mondays!
Great eggplant recipe, really tasty and quite simple. Love the addition of the chickpeas to add some protein. Got a huge thumbs up in our house.
Just made everything and it was delicious! The only thing I’ve done different was to press the tofu and bake it as well as aubergine for 20 minutes. It was amazing!
I made this for dinner tonight. It was delicious. I used a large eggplant instead of the Asian eggplants. Also, I tossed the tofu and eggplant in a tablespoon of foil and baked them in a 400 F oven for about 20 minutes while I prepared the rest of the recipe. I will definitely make this again.
I baked it for 20 mins and slightly brushed some melted coconut oil on the eggplant and tofu. I added some salt and pepper and cooked for 20 mins. I followed the rest of the recipe which was absolutely delicious
Amazing recipe! We’ll be making this again! So flavorful and filling,
Very good. Don’t know how much coconut milk to use as can size vary.
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We use 400 ml (13.5 oz) cans of coconut milk. 🙂
This is a fantastic recipe for so many reasons! It’s hlight, filling, flavourful, and really just delicious but easy to make. If you are able to find a spicy smoked tofu, it’s the best but still good with just smoked tofu. I have tried with just regular firm tofu and it was lacking for me, so definitely get smoked and spicy if you can. I’m making this again tonight! Thanks for a great recipe!
I’ve never seen spicy smoked tofu before. Will have to look for it!
Beautiful curry, is it freezable??
Yes! It freezes very well. 🙂
This is so delicious! I am so happy I found your recipe. I didn’t have tofu in the fridge. Also, I reduced chilli flakes to 1/4 teaspoon as my daughter does not really enjoy chilli/heat in her food. Overall, my family loved it. Have added to my favourite recipes. Thank you for sharing.
That is so wonderful to hear, Julie!