Baingan bharta (Eggplant based dish) -Quick and easy

Baingan bharta is a eggplant based dish. It is made

with minimum spices. Roasted eggplant forms the                            
 base of the dish. The following recipe is the quick and
easy version of the original recipe, but it tastes the same
as the original. This recipe has no onions and
 garlic and hence takes less time too prepare.




The following recipe serves 2 people.
Time required: 25-30 minutes


Ingredients
Eggplant - 1 Medium sized
Red capsicum - 1/4
White capsicum - 1/4
Green chili - 1
Ginger - 1/2 inch
Tomatoes - 2 medium sized
Cumin seeds- 1 tsp
Coriander powder - 1.5 tsp
Turmeric powder- 3/4 tsp
Garam masala- 3/4tsp
Asafetida - a pinch
Oil - 3 tbsp oil
Chili powder - to taste
Salt - to taste


Step 1: We need the following vegetables. The red and green capsicums, 2 tomatoes, a green chili, ginger and a eggplant (roasted).

Step 2: Roasting the eggplant.
 With microwave : Put the eggplant in for 10-12 minutes. Turn the eggplant a couple of times to roast evenly.
 With oven : Bake it for 20-25 minutes at 180 degrees centigrade.Turn the eggplant a couple of times to roast        evenly.


Step 3: Let the eggplant cool down. Peel it and cut into small pieces. Keep aside.

Step 4: Chop the tomatoes,chili and the capsicums. Grate the ginger.

Step 5: We need the following spices - asafoetida, cumin seeds, coriander powder, chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala and salt. 

  Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a pan. Keep the heat at medium. Add the chopped capsicums.

Fry for 2-3 minutes till the capsicums go tender. Get them out of the pan and keep is aside on a plate lined with kitchen towel to soak the extra oil.

Step 6: In the same pan, add two teaspoons of oil. Keep the heat at medium. Add the cumin seeds and the asafoetida.

Add the tomatoes, chili and ginger. 

Fry for 7-8 minutes. 

Now add all the spices from step 5 in a separate bowl with water to make a thin paste. Add this to the tomatoes. Fry till the oil separates from the mixture.

Step 7: Add the eggplant. Mix it well with the mixture. Add salt to taste.

Cook for 10-12 minutes on medium heat.

Step 8: Add the capsicum we fried before. 

Cook for 5 more minutes.

Step 9: Enjoy your 'Baingan bharta'.