Spicy Aubergine and Tofu Satay

Ingredients

For the green curry paste

• 1 shallot finely chopped
• 1 stalk lemongrass chopped
• 2 small red chillies chopped
• 2 cloves garlic crushed
• 2.5cm piece fresh root ginger peeled and grated
• 1 lime zest only
• 1 tbsp fresh coriander chopped

For the skewers

• 1 packet firm, regular tofu drained and pressed
• 1 aubergine
• 2 tbsp groundnut oil
• 12 short wooden skewers

For the satay sauce

• 2 tbsp groundnut oil
• 1 shallot finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
• 2 large red chillies deseeded and chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 75g crunchy peanut butter
• 200ml coconut milk
• 1 lime juiced
• Salt to taste

Method

1. To make the green curry paste: grind all the ingredients together in a pestle and mortar until you have a paste. Store in the refrigerator in a screw top jar for up to 2 weeks.
2. For the skewers: Mix 3 tbsp green curry paste together with 1 tbsp groundnut oil. Cut the tofu and aubergine into 1.25cm/1/2 inch cubes and thread onto 12 short wooden skewers. Lay flat on a plate and pour over the paste mixture to coat well, rubbing the aubergine and tofu all over. Leave for 30 minutes minimum (or overnight), covered in the fridge to marinade.
3. Brush the vegetables with the remaining oil and grill under a medium heat until golden.
4. Make the satay sauce: Heat the oil in a small saucepan and fry the shallot, garlic, chillies and spices for about 5 minutes until tender. Mix the peanut butter with a little warm water to make a thinner paste and add to the pan, together with the coconut milk. Bring to the boil, then simmer until the sauce thickens. Season with lime juice and salt to taste. Divide between 4 small bowls.
5. Serve the skewers on individual plates with a small bowl of satay sauce.