Baigan Bharta (Northindian Style)

Ingredients:

• 1 medium-sized eggplant
• 2 tbsp cooking oil
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp hing
• 1 medium-sized onions finely chopped
• 1 tbsp garlic paste
• 1 tbsp ginger paste
• 2 green chillies chopped
• 1 large tomatoes chopped fine
• 1/2 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp red chilli powder
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp cinnamon & clove powder
• salt to taste
• 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh green coriander

Method:

• Baingan Ka Bharta requires that the eggplant be roasted. You can roast on a gas cooktop or grill in the oven or on barbecue grill. Before roasting need to apply some oil on eggplant.
• Roast on a gas cooktop by just placing the eggplant straight on the burner and keeping the flame on low setting. Keep turning and cooking till all the skin on the eggplant is charred and the inner flesh looks really soft.
• Grill in your oven grill or on your barbecue grill. Again, keep turning periodically till all the skin on the eggplant is charred and the inner flesh looks really soft.
• 'Roast' in your oven till all the skin on the eggplant is charred and the inner flesh looks really soft.
• Once the eggplant is roasted, allow to cool fully and then peel off and discard the charred skin. Once cool, coarsely mash and keep aside for later use.
• Now heat a pan on medium heat and add the cooking oil. When hot, add the cumin seeds, mustard seeds & hing and cook till the spluttering stops.
• Add the onions and fry till soft and translucent.
• Add the garlic and the ginger and fry for 1 minute.
• Add the tomato and all the powdered spices, including the garam masala & salt to taste. Stir well and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring often. Sprinkle a little water if needed.
• Now add the eggplant and mix well. Add the chopped fresh coriander and stir. Cook another minute and turn off the heat.
• Serve hot with roti or naan.