Eggplant Bhartha

Eggplant Bharta, also known as Baingan Bharta, is a popular Indian dish made with roasted or grilled eggplant, spices, onions, tomatoes, and sometimes peas. It has a smoky flavor due to the charred eggplant and is typically served with Indian bread like roti or naan. Here's a traditional recipe for Eggplant Bhartha.

Ingredients:

- 1 large eggplant (about 500g)

- 2 tablespoons oil

- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped

- 2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)

- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

- 1 teaspoon coriander powder

- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)

- Salt to taste

- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Prick the eggplant with a fork or knife in several places to prevent it from bursting while roasting.

2. Place the whole eggplant on a baking sheet lined with foil. Roast it in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, turning it occasionally, until the skin is charred and the eggplant is soft and collapses.

3. Remove the eggplant from the oven and let it cool slightly. Once cooled, peel off the charred skin and discard. Mash the roasted eggplant flesh using a fork or potato masher. Set aside.

4. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

5. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.

6. Add ginger-garlic paste and chopped green chilies. Sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.

7. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy.

8. Add coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

9. Add the mashed eggplant to the pan and mix it with the onion-tomato mixture. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, to blend the flavors.

10. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.

11. Serve hot with roti, naan, or rice.

Enjoy the smoky and flavorful Eggplant Bharta as a side dish or a main course in your Indian meal!