Baingan Ka Bharta - The Eggplant Dip

Baingan Ka Bharta or Wangyacha Bharit (as called in Maharashtra) is a smoky-flavored, tasty side dish made from brinjal or eggplant.  In the middle-eastern countries a similar preparation is called Baba Ganoush.

Ingredients:

1 large brinjal (bharta baingan)
2 onions, finely chopped
2 tomatoes, finely chopped
1 tbsp finely chopped ginger
1 green chilli, finely chopped
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 tsp red chilli powder
1/2 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1/2 tsp garam masala powder
1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves
1 tbsp oil
salt to taste

Method:

1. Apply some oil around the brinjal and roast it directly over the flame, turning it around until all the sides turn black and the flesh becomes tender.

2. Peel off the outer blackened skin, and mash the insides. Keep this aside.

3. Heat oil in a pan, add the onions and saute until they turn light brownish in color.
4. Next add the ginger, garlic, green chilli and saute for a minute.
5. Add the tomatoes and saute until they become mushy.
6. Then add turmeric, chilli powder, coriander and cumin powder and let the spices cook until well blended.
7. Now add the mashed brinjal, garam masala and salt and continue sauteing for few minutes.
8. Garnish with coriander leaves.