Smoky Baingan Bharta Recipe (Punjabi Style)

Ingredients

• 1 large sized brinjal (baingan / eggplant)
• 1/2 tsp oil for greasing
• 1 tbsp ghee
• 1 tsp cumin seeds (jeera)
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 1/2 tsp grated ginger (adrak)
• 1 tsp grated garlic (lehsun)
• 1 tsp finely chopped green chillies
• 1/2 cup finely chopped tomato
• 1/2 tsp haldi powder (turmeric powder)
• 1 tbsp coriander-cumin seeds (dhania-jeera) powder
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• salt (namak) to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped coriander (dhania) for the garnish

Steps

1. To make baingan bharta, grease the brinjal with oil and roast it over an open flame till it is cooked.
2. Cool and peel the skin. Mash the pulp thoroughly and keep aside.
3. Heat the ghee in a pan and add the cumin seeds.
4. When they crackle add the onions and sauté till they turn golden brown.
5. Add the ginger, garlic and green chillies and sauté for a few more seconds.
6. Add the tomatoes, turmeric powder, coriander-cumin seeds powder and cook till the mixture leaves oil.
7. Add the mashed brinjal, punjabi garam masala and salt, mix well and cook for 3-4 minutes.
8. Serve the baingan bharta hot garnished with coriander.