Roasted aubergine laksa

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas

Step 2

Slice 3 aubergines into 2cm-thick rounds. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon each of olive oil and red wine vinegar, 1 heaped teaspoon of massaman paste and a small pinch of sea salt and black pepper, then brush on both sides of the sliced aubergines. Arrange in a single layer in a large roasting tray and roast for 40 minutes. Meanwhile, blacken the remaining 3 aubergines in a deep non-stick frying pan on a high heat, turning until charred and tender, then remove, leaving the pan on the heat. While they blacken, crush the cashews in a pestle and mortar, then put aside. Trim the spring onions, chop the white halves (reserving the greens) and place in the pestle and mortar with the remaining massaman paste. Peel, chop and add the ginger, then pound into a paste. Finely slice the green spring onions lengthways and put into a bowl of cold water to curl up. Halve the charred aubergines and scoop the insides into the hot pan with 1 tablespoon of oil, discarding the skins. Stir in the paste for 2 minutes, then pour in the coconut milk, stock and 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar, and bring to the boil. Alongside, cook the noodles according to the packet instructions, then drain and divide between warm bowls. Season the soup to perfection and ladle over the noodles, then top with the roasted aubergine slices. Drain the curly spring onions and toss in a little red wine vinegar, then scatter over with the crushed cashews.