Eggplant curries are popular in Pakistani and Indian cuisine. In fact, many call them the oldest curry in the world because eggplants existed in the subcontinent (pre-partition India and Pakistan). North India is known for its baingan bharta, while Southern India’s bagara baingan curry is globally popular. Recipes like aloo baingan and this Pakistani eggplant curry recipe are comfort foods frequently found at South Asian dinner tables. Some pairing options for this eggplant curry are basmati rice, aloo bhujia, moong masoor daal, and shami kabab.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Easy-to-source ingredients - This recipe doesn’t use complex spices or other ingredients. Your local supermarket will have everything you need. Suitable for people with dietary restrictions - This recipe is perfect for a vegan, vegetarian or gluten-free diet. Short cooking time - If you’re familiar with Pakistani cooking, you’ll realize that a curry ready in 35 minutes is a win. Many menu pairing options - This eggplant curry recipe pairs with so many things that it can be part of any menu. Try it with brown lentils as part of a vegetarian menu or as a side for some seekh kebab or hariyali (green) chicken tikka. The possibilities are limitless.
Ingredients notes
Eggplant - The best eggplant for this recipe is an Indian eggplant, or if that isn’t an option, a Chinese eggplant (pictured above). Both of these cook quickly and have thin skin and a silky texture. Garlic paste - I highly recommend a homemade garlic paste for this eggplant curry recipe. All it takes is a handful of peeled garlic cloves, a good garlic press, or a mortar and pestle. Tomatoes - If possible, Use Roma tomatoes. They are juicy and cook quickly, making them perfect for curries. Serrano - I like using these chilies for most of my traditional recipes, but you can use another variety based on your preference. Spices—This easy recipe only requires salt, red chili powder, turmeric, and amchur. All are available at supermarkets, so you should have no trouble sourcing them.
Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the complete list of ingredients, measurements, and recipe instructions.
Substitutions & variations
Add potatoes - Make this aloo baingan by adding aloo (potatoes). Add the aloo and par-cook them before adding the air-fried eggplants, and then finish the recipe as per the instructions. Bake the eggplant - Don’t have an air fryer? Bake the eggplant at 400 degrees Fahrenheit in the oven for 30 minutes. Make it a one-pot recipe - Skip the air fryer or oven altogether. Saute the eggplants with the garlic, add the tomatoes and spices, and slow cook for 20-30 minutes on the stove. Add tamarind - Swap out the lime and use tamarind for this eggplant curry recipe instead. Soak 2 tablespoons of tamarind seeds in ¼ cup water to make tamarind water, or use 1 teaspoon of concentrate instead.
Step-by-step instructions
First step - I’m using Chinese eggplants in this recipe, so chop off both ends, slice each eggplant into 1-inch slices, brush well with cooking oil, and bake in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Second step - While cooking the eggplants, chop the tomatoes and set them aside. Third step - Slice the serrano chilies into long strips, chop the cilantro, and cut the lime in half. Fourth step - Heat the cooking oil and saute the garlic paste long enough to bloom.
Fifth step - Cook the eggplant as directed above and check on it after 10 minutes. At this point, you will probably need to re-baste it with oil and flip it so it browns evenly. Sixth step - Add the chopped tomatoes and spices (except amchur powder) to the bloomed garlic and saute until the tomatoes wilt and release water. Seventh step - Add the sir-fried eggplant and sliced green chilies to the above mixture, cover, and cook on low heat for 5 minutes. Eighth step - Uncover and turn the heat to high, stirring occasionally till you have a well-blended mixture. Turn the heat off, add the amchur and lime juice, stir, garnish with the cilantro, and serve.
Expert Tips
For more Pakistani recipes like this, check out 20 popular Pakistani recipes. If you decide to try this recipe, Please don’t forget to leave a rating and comment below! If you take a picture, tag me on Instagram! Thank You!
