baingan bharta

Here's a basic recipe for making Baingan Bharta:

Ingredients:

- 1 large eggplant (brinjal)

- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced

- 1 green chili, chopped (optional, adjust to taste)

- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated

- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

- 1 teaspoon coriander powder

- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala

- Salt to taste

- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or mustard oil)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Prick the eggplant with a fork in several places. Coat it lightly with oil and place it on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for about 30-40 minutes, turning halfway through, until the eggplant is soft and the skin is charred. Alternatively, you can roast the eggplant directly over a gas flame on your stove, turning it occasionally until it's soft and charred all over. Let the eggplant cool.

2. Once the eggplant is cool enough to handle, remove the charred skin and mash the pulp using a fork or potato masher. Discard any large seeds if desired.

3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

4. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.

5. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chili. Sauté for another minute.

6. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy and oil starts to separate.

7. Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes.

8. Add the mashed eggplant and mix everything together. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together.

9. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot with roti, naan, or rice.

Enjoy your homemade Baingan Bharta!