Baingan Bharta/Roasted Eggplant Curry

Here's a simple Baingan Bharta recipe:

Ingredients:

1 large eggplant (baingan)

2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or mustard oil)

1 large onion, finely chopped

1 or 2 tomatoes, finely chopped/Roasted

2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust according to your spice preference)

5-8 peeled garlic

1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon coriander powder

Salt to taste

Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Roast the eggplant:

Pierce the eggplant in a few places with a fork or knife.Insert garlic in those holes,so that it will also get roast with eggplant/Baingan.

It tastes very nice but if you just want to finely chopped and add in curry can do it.

2.Roast the eggplant over an open flame (gas stove) or on a barbecue grill until the skin is charred and the eggplant is soft and cooked from the inside. Alternatively, you can also roast it in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 40-45 minutes. Make sure to turn it occasionally for even roasting.

3.Cool and peel the eggplant:

Once the eggplant is roasted, let it cool for a few minutes.

Peel off the charred skin and discard it. Transfer the soft cooked flesh to a bowl and mash it with a fork or back of a spoon. Make sure there are no large lumps.

4.Same way repeat the above steps for tomatoes ,here no need to pierce and no need tyo insert garlic.Mix mashed eggplant and and mashed garlic and tomatoes together .

5.Prepare the masala:

In a pan or kadai, heat oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.Mix in the turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook the spices for 1-2 minutes.Add and green chilies.

6.Add the mix of roasted eggplant tomatoes and garlic to the masala mixture.

7.Mix everything well so that the eggplant tomato blends nicely with the spices.

Cook the mixture for 4-5 minutes on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

Garnish and serve:

Turn off the heat and garnish the Baingan Bharta with fresh coriander leaves.

Serve hot with your choice of Indian bread like roti, paratha, or naan.

Enjoy the delightful Baingan Bharta,with smoky flavors!