Baigan bharta (eggplant curry)

INGREDIENTS:

brinjal or egg plant 1 medium size

onion finely chopped 1 medium size

ginger garlic paste 1tsp

tomato chopped 1 medium size

cumin 1/2tsp

turmeric powder 1/2tsp

chilli powder 1/2tsp

coriander powder 1/2tsp

garam masala 1/2tsp

salt 1-1/2 tsp

oil 1-1/2tsp

coriander chopped for garnishing

lemon juice 1tsp

kasuri methi

or dried fenugreek leaves 1/2tsp

hing or asafoetida   a pinch

cloves 2-3

METHOD:

• Take the brinjal or eggplant and make some holes with fork to pass the air and oil its outer surface .
• switch on the gas or burner and put cooling rack and roast until its surface is burnt , flip it while cooking. Oven can also be used , for that put it in baking tray and watch until it become dark brown .
• Put the brinjal in cold water for few sec. and remove the outer skin .
• Mash the flesh.
• Heat oil in a pan / kadhai . Add cumin , hing ,cloves and onion and fry over medium heat until light golden brown.
• Add red chilli powder, turmeric powder, garam masala , kasoori methi and salt and stir. Add tomatoes and cook until tender.
• Add mashed baigan (eggplant). Stir well. Fry the baigan bhartha for 5-7 minutes over medium heat. Add lemon juice.
• Garnish the baigan bharta with green coriander leaves and serve hot with chapati or rice.