Aubergine Potato Curry with Basmati and Peas

Preheat the oven to 350F.

Cut the aubergine into large cubes and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt. Set in a colander for 20 minutes.

Toast the onion seeds in the oven until fragrant. in a heavy saucepan , heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Add the toasted onion seed, mustard seed, cumin seed, and ginger. Cook on low heat until fragrant. Add the potatoes and carrots and brown lightly, stirring frequently. Add the onion, garlic, cayenne, salt, curry powder, and garam masala. Stir and cook on low heat for 5 minutes. Add the coconut milk, stewed tomatoes, and brown sugar.

Stir, then cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

In a large skillet , heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the aubergine to the hot oil and brown. Add the lime juice. Remove from heat, and add the aubergine to the curry mixture along with the hot mango pickle, 1/3 cup of the basil leaves, the jalapenos, and the cauliflower. Continue cooking for 15 minutes.

In the meantime , to cook the basmati rice, bring the water to boil in a medium pot, and add the rice. Bring to a boil again., lower heat and cover, and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the peas to the rice and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Check the curry mixture and, when the potatoes are tender, turn off the heat. When the rice is ready, place a portion on each plate and create a well in the center. Spoon some curry mixture into the center of the rice, sprinkle with chopped parsley, the remaining basil, and black onion seed, and garnish with the lime and fresh papaya slices.