Creamy Peanut Curried Aubergine and Beans
Savor the rich and comforting flavors of Creamy Peanut Curried Aubergine and Beans, a hearty plant-based dish perfect for nourishing and satisfying meals. Tender aubergine, protein-packed beans, and a luscious peanut curry sauce combine to create a vibrant, creamy, and wholesome dinner that everyone will love.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Fusion / Plant-Based
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Dairy-Free
Vegetables
- 1 large aubergine (about 1 lb), washed and diced into bite-sized chunks
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped or 2 tbsp tomato paste
- Fresh coriander (optional), chopped, for garnish
Beans
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Spices & Sauces
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 3 tbsp peanut butter (smooth, unsweetened preferred)
Liquids & Oils
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tbsp neutral vegetable oil or coconut oil for sautéing
Optional Ingredients
- Fresh chili or cayenne pepper, to taste, for a spicy kick
- Spinach, kale, or mustard greens (about 1 cup), stirred in near the end
- Lime juice and roasted peanuts for garnish
- Prepare Your Aubergine and Beans: Wash and dice the aubergine into bite-sized chunks. If using canned beans, drain and rinse them well to ensure even cooking and smooth texture.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and gently cook the chopped onions and minced garlic until golden and fragrant, building the essential flavor base for the curry.
- Cook Aubergine: Add the diced aubergine to the pan with a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until it softens but still holds its shape.
- Add Spices and Tomatoes: Stir in the curry powder and cook for about a minute to toast the spices, then add the chopped tomatoes or tomato paste and let the mixture simmer until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Peanut Butter and Coconut Milk: Add the peanut butter and coconut milk, stirring well to combine until the sauce becomes glossy and creamy, creating the rich texture of the curry.
- Incorporate the Beans and Simmer: Gently fold in the beans and allow everything to simmer together for 10 to 15 minutes, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
- Finish and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle fresh coriander if using, and serve piping hot for the best experience.
Notes
- Choose firm aubergines for better texture and flavor absorption.
- Roasting aubergine before adding it to the curry adds a smoky depth.
- Use natural, smooth, unsweetened peanut butter for authentic flavor.
- Simmer gently on low heat to prevent coconut milk from splitting.
- Adjust sauce consistency with water or vegetable broth as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx.)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Creamy peanut curry, aubergine recipe, plant-based dinner, vegan curry, peanut butter sauce, gluten-free curry, bean curry