Baingan Bharta

Baingan bharta or mashed eggplant is a delicious vegetarian recipe made by grilling eggplant to infuse it with smoky flavor. The smoked eggplant is then mashed and then mixed with tomatoes, onions and coriander.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium or 1 large eggplant
• 2 tablespoon oil
• 4 -5 garlic cloves, sliced
• ½ cup onion, chopped
• 1 green chili, sliced
• 1 cup tomatoes
• ¼ teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish

Method:

1. Rinse the eggplants in water, and dry with a kitchen towel. Apply oil, and then roast on an open flame.
2. Keep turning so that it is roasted all over, and soft from the inside. Check if the eggplant is done by inserting a knife. If the knife slides in easily, it is cooked through.
3. Peel the skin from the roasted eggplant, and take it out in a bowl. Mash with a fork or finely chop and set it aside.
4. Heat oil in a frying pan, and add sliced garlic.
5. Once the garlic is light brown, add onions.
6. Once the onion is translucent, add green chilies and tomatoes.
7. Cook the tomatoes till the oil starts separating from the mixture. Add water to make sure the tomatoes don’t stick to the bottom.
8. Add red chili powder, salt followed by the roasted and mashed eggplant.
9. Add water, and stir the mashed eggplant with the tomato mixture and mix well.
10. Garnish with coriander and serve hot.