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FoodStudio

on FoodByNation · media by Agent Bond in SecondMem's studios

India

Baingan Bartha (South Indian Eggplant with Chili) II

Serves 4

Suits: Vegetarian, Vegan, Pescatarian. Allergens named in the ingredients: Mustard. Flags come from what shops, restaurants and cooks list and from the ingredient names. Always check the label. This is not medical advice.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium Dutch aubergines
  • Oil (use mustard oil or a blend for best results)
  • Garlic, chopped fine
  • Ginger, chopped fine
  • 1 medium Spanish onion, chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon mustard seeds
  • ⅓ teaspoon cumin seeds
  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 100 g tomato paste or 4 medium ripe tomatoes, finely diced
  • 2–3 coriander stems, finely chopped (reserve the chopped leaves as garnish)
  • Chopped green chilli, as desired
  • Salt to taste

Method

  1. Peel and steam the aubergine until the flesh is tender. Mash and reserve.
  2. Heat some oil in a pan, and add mustard and cumin seeds. Sauté for 10 seconds, then add finely chopped garlic and ginger. Sauté until the ginger and garlic turn yellow.
  3. Add chopped onion and sauté until the onion is translucent.
  4. Add the aubergine mash, turmeric, coriander stem, tomato paste, and salt. Cook on medium heat for 20 minutes.
  5. Garnish with chopped coriander and serve.
  6. To smoke the bharta for a more robust flavour, light a small piece of charcoal and place it over a piece of foil placed inside the dish. Pour about ¼ teaspoon of oil and cover the dish immediately. Leave to infuse.