... Nightshades

Every one of the nightshade family is an essential ingredient in the Indian kitchen. Aubergines/eggplant, capsicums/bell peppers, tomatoes and chillies have a sweet nature and suit the dusty depth of fried nigella seeds as a starting spice. Aubergines work well with white poppy seeds and mustard. India’s beloved okra should be fried well before incorporating them into a sauce to eliminate that famous sliminess, or fried until very crisp and used to top soup or rice. Embrace the variety in this enigmatic family of vegetables and stock up on them with abandon, for they have endless uses.