Baingan Ka Bharta

Baigan Ka Bhartha (photo courtesy google)

3 medium baigan (roughly 400gms),2 tbsp Oil, 1 tsp jeera,2 onions chopped fine (as fine and small as possible), 1 tbsp garlic paste, 1 small piece of ginger (cut it into small pieces), 2-3 green chillies (optional but they give the Bharta a nice kick!), 2 large tomatoes chopped fine(again very fine), 1/2 tsp coriander powder,1/2 tsp cumin powder, 1/2 tsp garam masala, 2 tbsp finely chopped coriander

Preparation:

Baingan Ka Bharta requires that the Baigan be roasted.

Roast on a gas cooktop by just placing the baigan straight on the burner/on a pan and keeping the flame on low setting. Keep turning and cooking till all the skin on the baigan is charred and the inner flesh looks really soft. A good sign to watch for is that the baigan seems to 'cave in' on itself!

Once the baigan 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 set up a pan on medium heat and add oil. When hot, add the cumin seeds 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 spices, including the garam masala Stir well and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring often to prevent the spice mix from sticking to the pan. Sprinkle a little water if needed.

· Now add the baigan and mix well. Add the chopped fresh coriander and stir. Cook another minute and turn off the heat.

· Will taste real good with a spoon of Butter kept on it while serving

· Tastes best with chapatti / paratha