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1
For sauce: Heat oil in large saucepan over low heat.
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2
Add garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 30 seconds.
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Add curry powder and stir 30 seconds.
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Mix in tomatoes and season.
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Bring to boil, reduce heat to low and cook until tomatoes are very soft, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes.
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6
Mix in tomato paste.
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Puree in processor until smooth.
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Adjust seasoning.
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9
(can be prepared 1 day ahead) For pilaf: Heat 4 tsps olive oil in medium skillet over low heat.
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Add onion and cook until soft, stirring frequently, about 10 minutes.
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Add rice and stir until milky white, about 2 minutes.
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Add water, currants and season to taste.
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Bring to boil, stir, and cover.
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Reduce heat to low and cook until tender, about 18-20 minutes.
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15
Remove from heat, do not open, and let stand for 10 minutes.
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16
Preheat oven to 450F.
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Lightly grease shallow baking dish large enough to hold 4 eggplant halves.
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Make 1/8 inch deep cut around edge of each eggplant.
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Score 3 times down center.
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Arrange eggplants cut side up in dish.
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Sprinkle surface with salt and 2 tblsps olive oil.
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Bake until eggplant is tender when pierced with knife, about 25-30 minutes.
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Cool slightly.
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24
Remove eggplant pulp from skins using spoon; do not pierce skin.
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Coarsely chop pulp and add to pilaf.
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Taste and adjust seasoning.
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27
(can be prepared 1 day ahead.
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Cover skins and pilaf and refrigerate.
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29
Bring to room temperature before continuing.
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30
).
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31
Heat 2 tblsps olive oil in small skillet over medium-low heat.
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Add almonds and pine nuts and a pinch of salt.
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Stir until nuts are toasted a light-brown, about 2 minutes.
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34
Stir into pilaf with cilantro and spearmint.
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35
Preheat oven to 350F.
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36
Oil baking dish.
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37
Place eggplants, cut side up onto dish.
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Spoon pilaf into shells.
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Sprinkle with remaining 1 tblsp oil.
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Bake until hot, about 15 minutes.
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41
Reheat sauce, stirring frequently.
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42
Divide sauce among 4 plates and top with eggplant.