Eggplant Curry

There are different varieties of Eggplant available and there is also different ways of preparing Eggplant. In the first recipe here we could use any of the different varieties of eggplant. In the second recipe, we only use the big eggplant 

Quick Everyday Eggplant Curry

Ingredients  

Eggplant (one large or 10-15 small) cut, Mustard seeds 1/2 tsp , Cumin Seeds 1tsp, Turmeric 1/2 tsp, Salt 1tsp,  Red Chili Powder 1 tsp, Curry leaves 2 sprigs,  Coriander leaves 3-4 sprigs, Oil 1 tbs, Garam Masala / Tava Masala 1tsp (optional).

Method 

In a pan heat oil, and sputter mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Add  the eggplant and saute' with  turmeric, salt, red chili powder and Curry leaves until its fully cooked . Garnish with Coriander leaves before serving.

There are different variations to this curry. Adding Tava Masala or Garam Masala would change the taste of this curry for a slight variation of this very same curry. Similarly adding Carom (Ajwain) instead of mustard seeds  give it a different flavor. We can also add 1 large diced onion (and / or tomato) before adding the eggplant to this recipe for a more flavorful curry.

Bharta Baingan 

Ingredients  

Eggplant (one large), Carom 1/2 tsp, Cumin Seeds 1tsp, Turmeric 1/2 tsp, Salt 1tsp, 1-2 medium diced green chili pepper,  Red Chili Powder 1/2 tsp, Curry leaves 1 sprig,  Coriander leaves 3-4 sprigs, Oil 1 tbs, Garam Masala 1tsp (optional), Onion 1 large diced, Tomato 1 large Diced.

Method 

Wash the eggplant throughly and smear with a few drops of oil. Grill or roast the eggplant preferably on open flame to get the smoky flavor. Keep turning it frequently to ensure its evenly cooked and tender. It is normal for the vegetable to ooze juice during this process. When its completely grilled  peel off  the burnt skin to  expose the cooked flesh part.

In a pan heat oil and sputter Cumin seeds and carom seeds. Add green chili pepper, onion and saute' until the onion becomes semi translucent . Add tomato, turmeric, salt, curry leaves, red chili powder and saute until the tomatoes are completely cooked . Cut and add the eggplant to it and cook until it is well mashed and blended with the onion & tomato  starts sticking to the bottom of the pan. You can add Garam Masala (optional) at this point. If you are adding Garam masala then you might want to reduce the amount of Green chili or red chili powder as Garam masala renders a more spicy flavor.

Garnish with coriander leaves before serving.

Baingan Raita

This is a variation of Baingan Bharta recipe.  This recipe calls for adding yogurt to Baingan Bharta  after its cooked. Carom (ajwain) , Garam Masala and tomato are not used in the recipe above if the preparation is for Baingan Raita . Carom is replaced by mustard seeds in this recipe to make it more flavorful.

Garnish it with coriander leaves and Chat Masala (optional) .