Baigan Bharta

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Baigan Bharta

Prep time: 

Cook time: 

Total time: 

Serves: 4

Ingredients
  • 2 large eggplants (baigan)
  • 1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced
  • 2 medium Roma or plum tomatoes, ½ inch diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeno or serrano chili, finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon dhana-jeeru (spice blend of ground coriander and cumin)
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon salt or taste
  • ¼ cup regular yogurt (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro, for garnish
Directions
  1. Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Line a large baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil sprayed with non-stick spray.
  2. Wash and cut eggplants in half. Arrange them on baking pan cut side down, leaving some space in between. Roast the eggplants until tender, about 30 to 35 minutes.
  3. Let eggplants cool for few minutes. Scoop out the pulp from eggplants, discarding the seeds. Cut the pulp in small pieces or mash with a potato masher.
  4. Heat oil in a frying pan or a wok until shimmering, 2 to 3 minutes. Add cumin seeds and let it sizzle. Add garlic and sauté it until light golden brown, 2 minutes. Add scallions, green chili, all dry spices and sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes. Next add tomato and sauté until the mixture is almost dry, 2 to 3 minutes.
  5. Add eggplant pulp, season with salt and stir everything. Cover the pan or wok and let eggplant cook for 7 to 10 minutes to blend all the flavors, stirring occasinally. If you want to add yogurt, add at this point, and let it warm through with eggplant for a minute.
  6. Garnish with cilantro and serve warm with Nan or Paratha. Can also be served as a dip.