1Blend 3 cloves of garlic with ginger, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, fenugreek, sea salt, green chillies, bullet chillies, and apple cider vinegar until smooth paste. Add more vinegar if needed.
2Heat oil in a pan and add curry leaves, sliced garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
3Pour in the blended mixture, then add 1 tsp of turmeric, smoked chilli powder (or regular chilli powder), and agave.
4Stir until you get a smooth paste.
5In a separate frying pan, add the chopped aubergine and fry until golden brown, soft, and slightly crispy on the edges. Drain the oil once cooked.
6Stir the aubergine into the sauce until fully coated.
7Thoroughly rinse the lentils until the water runs clear, then add to a pot.
8Bring to a boil and add the diced onion. Allow to cook and soften.
9Add the spices and coconut milk, then stir. Add sea salt to taste and cook for a further 5 minutes.