Easy and vegan Eggplant Carrot Curry made in the Instant Pot. Pair with rice or quinoa for a comforting meal!

Recipe Snapshot

  • Prep time: 10 minutes
  • Cook time: 35 minutes
  • Total time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 5
  • Category: Entree
  • Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons oil (30 ml, I used avocado oil)
  • 1 large yellow onion (chopped)
  • 5 large garlic cloves (chopped)
  • 1 inch ginger (chopped)
  • 1/2 jalapeño (chopped)
  • 3 medium tomatoes (chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garam masala
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1 large eggplant (around 500 grams, diced into 1-inch cubes)
  • 3-4 carrots (cut into rounds)
  • 1/3 cup green peas (I used frozen)
  • 1.5 cups water (12 oz)
  • 3/4 cup coconut milk (6 oz)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Method

  1. Press the saute button on the Instant Pot. Once the pot displays hot, add the oil and then add the chopped onion, garlic, ginger and jalapeño.
  2. Cook for 3 minutes until onions soften, then add the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir to combine. Also de-glaze the pot at this point in case there's anything stuck at the bottom of the pot.
  3. Add all the spices- coriander powder, smoked paprika, cardamom powder, turmeric powder and garam masala. Also add the salt and mix to combine.
  4. Add the cubed eggplants and carrots along with the peas. Toss to combine with the masala.
  5. Then add the water. Close the pot with its lid. Press the manual or pressure cook button and cook on high pressure for 2 minutes with the pressure valve in the sealing position. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes and then do a quick pressure release.
  6. Open the pot and press the saute button. Add the coconut milk and stir. Also add the cilantro and let the curry simmer for 2 minutes.
  7. Garnish with more cilantro and serve with rice. You may squeeze some lemon juice for tang.

Stove-top Instructions

  1. Follow all the steps as such in a pot/pan over stove-top on medium heat until adding the tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook the tomatoes for 3 to 4 minutes until soft. Then add the spices, eggplant, carrots and peas along with 1 cup water. Cover the pot with a lid and let the veggies cook for around 15 minutes on low heat. Stir in the coconut milk, cilantro and simmer for 2 minutes.

Kiyaan Singh’s Kitchen Note

Keep this recipe as a working base: cook once as written, then adjust spice, texture, and serving style for your own table.