Aloo Baingan Masala (Potato and Aubergine Curry)
Silky aubergine and tender potatoes in a thick tomato masala, a comforting vegan curry with ginger, garlic and cumin.
Made with Curry base sauce (onion and tomato) and Ginger and garlic paste and Garam masala (homemade). Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time45 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £1.04 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Heat 2 tbsp of the oil in a large frying pan over a medium high heat. Fry the aubergine for 8 minutes, turning, until golden and soft. Set aside.
8 min - 2
Add the remaining oil and cumin seeds and fry for 20 seconds. Add the onion and cook for 8 minutes until soft.
8 min - 3
Stir in your ready made ginger and garlic paste (see the base recipe), the turmeric, coriander and chilli powder and cook for 1 minute.
- 4
Add the potatoes and your ready made curry base sauce (see the base recipe) with 150 ml water. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes until the potatoes are nearly tender.
15 min - 5
Add the aubergine and salt and simmer uncovered for 8 minutes so the sauce thickens.
8 min - 6
Stir in the garam masala and lemon juice, scatter with coriander and serve with rice or roti.
Tips
- Aubergine soaks up oil, so brown it in a good non stick pan without adding more than the recipe says.
- Cut the potatoes into the same size as the aubergine so they finish together.
- A little lemon juice at the end lifts the whole dish.
Storing and freezing
Keeps 3 days in the fridge and 2 months in the freezer. Reheat until steaming hot all the way through; the aubergine will be softer after freezing.
Questions
Can I bake the aubergine instead of frying?
Yes. Toss the chunks in 2 tbsp oil and roast at the same time as you cook the sauce, 25 minutes at a high heat, then fold in at the end.
Is it vegan?
Yes, and free from gluten, dairy, egg and nuts as written.
What can I serve with it?
Basmati rice, chapatis or parathas. A simple cucumber salad on the side adds freshness.
More made with curry base sauce (onion and tomato)
Prawn Biryani (Jhinga Biryani)
GFEFNFLamb Kofta Curry in Onion and Tomato Gravy
DFEFNFKeema Naan Pizza with Mint Yoghurt
EFNFPaneer Bhuna (Dry Fried Paneer Curry)
GFEFNFSee every dish made with curry base sauce (onion and tomato)
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.