Roasted Aubergine and Chickpea Curry

Trim the aubergine, then halve lengthways. Chop each half into four long strips, then chop widthways into thirds.

Pop the aubergine onto a baking tray. Drizzle with oil, sprinkle over the North Indian style spice mix, season with salt and pepper, then toss to coat. Spread out in a single layer. 

When the oven is hot, roast on the top shelf until soft and golden, 20-25 mins. Turn halfway through.

Meanwhile, heat a large frying pan on medium heat (no oil).

Once hot, add the desiccated coconut and cook, stirring regularly, until lightly toasted, 1-2 mins. TIP: Watch it like a hawk as it can burn easily.

Once toasted, transfer to a small bowl and set aside.

Pour the water for the rice (see pantry for amount) into a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.

Stir in the rice and 1/4 tsp salt and bring to the boil. Once boiling, turn the heat down to medium and cover with the lid.

Leave to cook for 10 mins, then remove the pan from the heat (still covered) and leave to the side for another 10 mins or until ready to serve (the rice will continue to cook in its own steam).

Pop your (now empty) frying pan back on medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil.

Once hot, add the garlic and rogan josh curry paste and fry for 1 min more, then stir in the chopped tomatoes, veg stock paste, sugar and water for the sauce (see pantry for both amounts).

Stir through the chickpeas (see ingredients for amount), then simmer until the sauce has thickened, 10-15 mins.