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Balti Eggplant Bhartha (Bengun Bhartha)















Ingredients
Quantity

Eggplant
1 1/8 pounds
Corn oil
3 tbsp
Whole cumin seeds
1 tsp
Ground fresh garlic
1 tsp
Chopped fresh tomatoes
¼ pounds
Salt
½ tsp
Red chilli powder
½ tsp to taste
Turmeric
1 tsp
Ground cumin
1 tsp
Onions finely sliced
¾ cups
Spring onions – chopped
¾ cups
Fresh green chillies – chopped
1 tsp
Fresh coriander
6 tbsp
Garam masala
1 tsp


If the eggplants are fist-sized or smaller, bake them whole under a preheated grill for 4 minutes each side, or until brown on all sides. If the eggplant is large, then cut in half and grill both sides. Lower gently into cold water to cool, then carefully peel off the skin and discard. Chop up, or use a fork to mash the eggplant into a coarse pulp.
Put the oil into a kadai or large frying pan, add the whole cumin and garlic, and when the mixture sizzles, add the eggplant pulp, tomatoes, salt, red chilli powder, and turmeric. Stir well, then simmer, covered, on low heat for 10 minutes. If the mixture begins to stick to the bottom, add 2 tablespoons of water and stir.

Add the coriander and cumin, and simmer, covered, for 2 minutes. Finally add the onions, fresh chillies, fresh coriander, and garam masala. Remove from the heat and keep, covered, for 5 minutes before serving.

Serve with chapatis or plain rice.