PUNJABI Baingan Bharta

**Author - Alee Venkatesh **

Punjabi spicy Baingan Bharta (Eggplant relish)  -  There are different versions of making this dish and this is how it is prepared in my kitchen.
 


Baingan Bharta served with Herb Naan & Lemon Pickle



 Ingredients 
  •  1 large eggplant (grilled or roasted with little olive oil)
  •  ginger, tomato, onion, green chillies & dry red chilli (roasted, grinded to smooth paste)
  • 1 tsp. each of roasted coriander & cumin powders
  •  Pinch of garam masala
  • 2 tsp. tomato puree
  • Coriander leaves, to garnish


 Method 
  • Slice egg plant lengthwise and roast in oven for 1/2 hour at 200 degree C. (place cut side up with some salt and drizzle with olive oil).  
  • In a pan, fry chopped onions, tomatoes, green & red chillies, when cool blend into a smooth paste.  
  • Add this grinded paste with other ingredients (except egg plant) and fry for few minutes.  
  • To this spice mixture add your roasted egg plant, mash a little bit and mix well.  Simmer for few minutes and serve hot with any rice or rotis.