Baingan Ka Bhartha - Roasted Eggplant Dip

This is one of the comfort foods for me, Baingan Ka Bhartha . It is traditionally a charcoal-smoked brinjal/eggplant delicacy cooked with onions and tomatoes. You could even roast the eggplants on a stove top , oven or a gas grill. The preferred way would be the charcoal grill or tandoor where you could get the charcoal flavor.




2 large Eggplants/Baingan (approximately 2 pounds)1 cup red onion finely chopped2 cups tomatoes finely chopped3-4 cloves of garlic finely chopped1 tbsp ginger finely chopped2-3 green chillies finely chopped1 tsp cumin seeds1/2 tsp turmeric powder1 tsp red chilli powdersalt to taste4 tbsp oilFreshly chopped Cilantro

Preparation :

Roast the eggplants until the skin starts peeling off. (Baste/Brush them with a little oil before roasting).Allow it to cool.

Remove the skin and stem.

Chop and mash the roasted eggplants. Also finely chop the onion,tomatoes, garlic,ginger and green chillies.

Heat oil and add cumin seeds. When they crackle, add onion and garlic and saute till golden brown. Add ginger and green chillies. Fry for a minute. Add the tomatoes, turmeric powder,red chilli powder and salt. Fry till the oil leaves the sides.

Add the mashed eggplant and mix well. Fry for about 2 -3 minutes. Let it cook for another 4-5 minutes on slow flame.Ready to serve. Garnish with freshly chopped Cilantro. Serve with hot butter Naan.This recipe serves 4.