Recipe: Smoked Spiced Eggplant Puree and Grilled Mango with Coconut Praline (Appetizer and Dessert to serve with Shrimp Curry) Recipes for Liz

SMOKED SPICED EGGPLANT PUREE
Servings: 8

2 eggplants (2 1/2 pounds altogether)
1 tsp whole cumin
1 tsp coriander seeds
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 large onion finely chopped
1 tsp minced garlic and fresh ginger
1/4 tsp turmeric or pinch yellow asafetida; powder
1 1/2 tsp salt
juice of 1 fresh lime
1/2 cup plain yogurt (to 2/3 cup)
1 fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh coriander
1/4 cup fresh mint

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Char over a gas flame, grill, or broil the eggplants until the skins are charred and blistered. Transfer to baking pan and roast for 30 minutes or until soft. Remove from oven and cool.

Toast cumin and coriander seeds until aromatic and grind in a spice grinder (or toast spices already ground).

Heat oil in a small skillet over moderate heat. Add onion and saute until tender. Add garlic and ginger and saute a few seconds to release the aroma.

Add turmeric, ground toasted cumin and coriander and salt and saute another minute just to release the aroma.

Cut stem ends of eggplants and peel skin. Set eggplant in food processor and puree until coarse. Add onion and spice mixture and puree.

Transfer to serving bowl and stir in lime and yogurt and jalapeno.

Right before serving dust eggplant puree with chopped cilantro and mint. Serve with toasted pita triangles or fresh vegetables or crackers.

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GRILLED MANGO WITH COCONUT PRALINE
Source: Donna Hay Entertaining, 1998
Serves 4

COCONUT PRALINE:
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1 cup toasted shredded coconut
FRUIT:
2 mangoes
1 tbsp lime juice

TO MAKE THE COCONUT PRALINE:
Place the sugar and water in a saucepan over low heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Allow the syrup to rapidly simmer for 5 to 7 minutes or until a light golden color.

Spread the coconut on a baking tray and pour over the hot sugar mixture to cover. Allow to stand for 5 minutes or until the praline is hard. Break into small pieces.

Slice the cheeks from the mangoes and brush with lime juice. Place on a preheated hot grill or broiler, flesh side down, and grill for 3 minutes or until golden and warm.

To serve, place the mango on plates with the coconut praline.