Thai Coriander and Black Pepper Aubergine Curry

Introduction:

A few years ago my wife and I attended a book launch and signing by the renowned Asian food writer and cook Charmaine Solomon. It was in the early days of my culinary enlightenment and an event like this was like looking in to a food kaleidoscope; so many colourful and varied combinations of ingredients to produce exquisite and aesthetically stunning patterns, or dishes. I loved gigs like this and this book launch was no different.

I went on to learn the absorption method for cooking  rice, smelled and tasted a variety of spices, herbs and vegetables, and had a couple of glasses of the old jumping grape. I remember vividly an attendee in the audience asking Charmaine what her views on fusion food were. This was at a time when the melding of different food cultures was becoming a fad. Her reply stuck with me, although in ink (or digitally written) it sounds corny. She said

I think a lot of fusion food becomes confusion food.

It was another profound moment for me, because it got me thinking that clever food, tasty food, great food must be about the harmony of the ingredients in the final dish; not the perception of how clever a cook/ chef can be by using unusual ingredients or techniques. I say this not to be dissuaded from trying unusual flavour pairings or textural combinations; I adore this kind of cooking. What I am trying to allude to is that whatever is delivered on the plate, harmony must always take precedent over a confusion of flavours, or even textures.

As is customary at a book launch and signing we bought a book and had Charmaine sign it. I was like a kid in a sweet shop; overwhelmed and excited to be in the company of such a revered food authority.    When it came to the signing she asked who to make it out to. My wife replied “Nick and Mitali”.

Some get confused with my wife’s name, albeit only 6 letters and it being spelt exactly as it sounds. It goes well to the Mickey Mouse ditty M-i-c-k-e-y…M-i-t-a-l-i…na,na,na,na,na, as comedian Lee Mack once pointed out in a show we were at. Anyway, Charmaine asked for the spelling, and when happy proceeded to write in the book whilst we chatted amongst ourselves. Charmaine looked up and said “there you go”. I looked down smiled and then read her words “To Mitali and Dick” …confusion indeed.

This dish is in honour of Charmaine Solomon (well it is one of hers). Simple, yet wickedly tasty and intense.