Herby aubergine & tomato salad

• large aubergine↗1

  sliced into quarters lengthways, and cut into chunks

• olive oil↗2 tbsp tbsp
• punnet cherry tomatoes250g g
• each mint and flat-leaf parsleysmall bunch

  leaves coarsely chopped

• olive oil↗1 tbsp tbsp
• balsamic vinegar↗1 tbsp tbsp
• lemon↗juice of ½

  juice of ½

• garlic cloves↗1-2

  crushed

• corianderpinch ground

  pinch ground

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Tip the aubergine into a colander, sprinkle all over with salt, then place a plate or bowl on top and weight down with a can. Leave for 30 mins, until some of the juices have run out. Meanwhile, make the dressing by mixing all the ingredients together and set aside.

2. 2

   Squeeze any excess juices from the aubergines and brush away the salt. Heat the olive oil in a heavy-based pan and gently fry the aubergine pieces until they are golden brown on both sides. As they absorb the oil quickly, it is important to fry them over a low heat, so that they soften and turn golden without needing to add more olive oil.

3. 3

   Tip the aubergine chunks into a shallow bowl and keep warm. Quickly toss the cherry tomatoes around the pan to soften and lightly blister, then add them to the bowl. Add the fresh herbs and pour over the dressing. Toss gently and serve.