Indian-spiced tofu: Luxurious, warmly spiced tofu

Ingredients

• 1 tsp whole coriander seeds
• 1 tsp whole cumin seeds
• 1 tsp whole fennel seeds
• 1 tsp whole peppercorns
• 1 stick cinnamon
• 1 star anise
• 1 stalk curry leaves
• Pinch of hing
• 1 stalk dried chilli
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1″ ginger
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 long eggplant, about 400g, chopped into small cubes
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp + 2 tbsp cooking oil or ghee, or a mixture (divided)
• 250g minced lamb or mutton
• 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 fresh red chilli, thinly sliced
• 200ml vegetable stock
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Salt to taste
• 2 blocks firm tofu, rinsed and sliced into small cubes, about 200g
• Handful coriander leaves, chopped
• Handful crispy fried onions