This Aubergine & Tomato Rogan Josh is a hearty and fragrant recipe, which is made with tender aubergine and ripe tomatoes. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, ready in about 45 minutes.
Aubergine & Tomato Rogan Josh Ingredients
- 1 large aubergine (300g)
- optional: 1 lemon
- 2 big handfuls of mixed ripe tomatoes (600g)
- 1 handful of shelled pistachios (30g)
- 1 bunch of fresh coriander (30g)
- olive oil
- 2 heaped teaspoons Patak’s rogan josh spice paste
How To Make Aubergine & Tomato Rogan Josh
- Prep and Steam Aubergine: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Cut the stalk off the aubergine and slice it in half lengthwise. Score a criss-cross pattern into the flesh and rub with a cut lemon, if using. Place the aubergine halves skin-side down in a lidded pan with about half a wine glass of water. Cover and steam over a medium-low heat for about 8 minutes, until the pan is nearly dry and the aubergine is soft.
- Prepare Toppings: While the aubergine steams, chop the tomatoes. In a pestle and mortar, pound the pistachios until they are a rough crumb. Chop the coriander stalks, reserving the leaves for later.
- Build the Curry: When the water in the aubergine pan has evaporated, add a little olive oil. Use a spatula to press the aubergine halves flat to crisp up the skin. Add the rogan josh spice paste to one side of the pan and fry for a moment to release its aroma.
- Combine and Roast: Add the coriander stalks and tomatoes to the pan, gently turning to coat them in the paste. Turn the aubergine halves over. Scatter the crushed pistachios over everything.
- Bake and Serve: Transfer the pan to the oven and bake, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes, until bubbling and golden. Serve hot, scattered with the reserved coriander leaves.

Recipe Tips
- Why steam the aubergine first? This is a clever technique that makes the aubergine incredibly soft and tender on the inside without using a lot of oil. The final step of crisping the skin and roasting adds the texture and deep flavor.
- Can I use a different vegetable? Yes, this method would also work well with large courgettes (zucchini) or butternut squash, though you may need to adjust the steaming and roasting times.
- How to adjust the spice level? Rogan josh paste is typically medium in heat. If you prefer a milder curry, use a little less paste. For more heat, you can add a pinch of red chilli flakes or a finely sliced fresh chilli with the tomatoes.
- What if I don’t have a lemon? The lemon is used to prevent the cut aubergine from browning (oxidizing) and adds a subtle brightness. If you don’t have one, you can skip this step; just work quickly after cutting the aubergine.
What To Serve With Aubergine & Tomato Rogan Josh
This rich and flavorful curry is a wonderful vegetarian main course. Serve it with:
- Fluffy basmati rice
- Warm naan bread or chapatis
- A dollop of plain yogurt or a simple cucumber raita to cool the spice
How To Store Aubergine & Tomato Rogan Josh
- Refrigerate: Let the dish cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will be even better the next day.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a pan over a low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
- Freeze: This dish freezes well. Let it cool completely and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Aubergine & Tomato Rogan Josh Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 300-350 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 8g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
What is rogan josh spice paste?
Rogan josh is a classic aromatic curry dish of Kashmiri origin. The spice paste is a blend of fragrant spices, which typically includes paprika (giving it a characteristic red color), cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and chilli.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes. Most rogan josh spice pastes are vegan, but it’s always best to check the label to ensure there are no dairy products like ghee or yogurt powder. If the paste is vegan, the rest of the recipe is naturally plant-based.
Can I add a protein to this dish?
Absolutely. To make it a heartier meal, you could add a can of rinsed chickpeas or some firm tofu cubes along with the tomatoes.
Try More Recipes:
- Joanna Lumley’s Aubergine Kuzi Recipe
- Claudio’s Aubergine Parmigiana Recipe
- Sticky Teriyaki Aubergine Recipe
Aubergine & Tomato Rogan Josh Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: Indian-InspiredDifficulty: Easy2
15
minutes35
350
kcalTender, steam-roasted aubergine halves are simmered in a rich and aromatic rogan josh sauce with fresh tomatoes and topped with a crunchy pistachio crumb.
Ingredients
1 large aubergine (300g)
600g mixed ripe tomatoes
30g shelled pistachios
1 bunch fresh coriander (30g)
Olive oil
2 heaped tsp rogan josh spice paste
1 lemon (optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Halve and score the aubergine.
- Steam the aubergine in a covered pan with a little water for 8 minutes until soft.
- Once the water has evaporated, add oil to the pan and crisp the aubergine skin.
- Add the spice paste, chopped tomatoes, and coriander stalks.
- Top with crushed pistachios and transfer the pan to the oven.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbling and golden.
- Serve scattered with fresh coriander leaves.
Notes
- Steaming the aubergine first is a great trick to get it perfectly tender without using lots of oil.
- Frying the spice paste for a moment before adding the other ingredients helps to bloom the spices and deepen the flavor.
- Don’t be afraid to get a little char on the vegetables during the roasting stage; it adds a wonderful smoky depth.
- This dish is a fantastic way to use up ripe, seasonal tomatoes.