A true taste of India: Spicy aubergine raita 

Indians use most vegetables in a raita. The cooling effect of dairy or yoghurt-based dishes is an essential part of a thali to balance the meal, while the inclusion of vegetables gives a wonderful texture. Here, roasted aubergines are cooked with cumin, peppercorn and chilli, then mixed with coriander and creamy yoghurt. You can use any vegetable for this dish, including okra, carrots or even potato.

SERVES 4

300g aubergines, cut into thick round slices

5 tbsp vegetable oil

1 tsp cumin seeds

½ tsp black peppercorns

160g Greek yoghurt, thinned with about 3 tbsp water

pinch of sugar

salt, to taste

½ tsp Kashmiri chilli powder or mild chilli powder

chopped coriander, to garnish

• Preheat the oven to 220˚C/200°C fan/gas 7. Put the aubergine slices on a lined baking tray. Brush all the slices with the oil and roast in the oven for 30 minutes.
• Add the cumin seeds and peppercorns to a pestle and mortar and grind to a coarse powder. Put the yoghurt in a mixing bowl with the sugar and season with salt.
• Place the roasted aubergine in a serving bowl and pour over half the yoghurt. Sprinkle the crushed cumin seeds and peppercorns on top, along with the chilli powder.
• Pour over the remaining yoghurt and garnish with fresh coriander. Serve alongside your favourite curry.