Baingan bharta is a popular Indian dish of smoked mashed eggplant seasoned with onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger and an array of whole spices for deep flavor.
Baingan Bharta
It can be made vegan by omitting the yogurt. This smoky eggplant mash is delicious with naan or rice. Grilling or broiling the eggplant gives it a delicious charred flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized eggplant, roasted and peeled
- 2 tbsp. ghee or vegetable oil
- 1-2 tsp. hot green chiles, seeded and minced
- 1/4 tsp yellow asafetida powder
- 1 tsp. cumin seeds
- 1 tsp. ground coriander
- 1 tsp. salt
- 2 tbsp. chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp. chopped mint (optional)
- 2/3 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tsp. Garam Masala
- sprinkle smoked salt
Directions
- Coarsely chop the eggplant pulp.
- Heat the oil or ghee in a a nonstick pan over medium heat. When hot, add asafetida, chiles, and cumin seeds and fry until seeds darken.
- Add the eggplant, ground coriander and salt, and cook until dry and thick, stirring occasionally, approx. 10 minutes.
- Remove pan from heat and let cool to room temperature.
- Stir in fresh herbs, yogurt and garam masala and smoked salt. This is best served lukewarm.