Baingan Achari

Ingredients

 * 1 tablespoon of oil
 * ¾ teaspoon each fennel (saunf) and onion seed (kalonji)
 * A pinch of turmeric powder
 * ¾ teaspoon of coriander powder
 * 1 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste
 * 4 large or 5 medium tomatoes, pureed
 * Salt and green chillies to taste
 * 400 grams small brinjals, sliced, salted, drained and fried

Directions
Put the oil in a microwave-safe dish. Microwave at 100% power for 2 minutes. Drop in the seeds. Continue to microwave at the same level for one minute. Add the spices and ginger-garlic paste. Stir and cook for another 3 minutes (or 2 minutes at MW 70% + Conv 200 Degree). Pour in the tomato puree. Cover with a paper napkin. Cook at 100% power for 8 minutes, stirring twice, till the oil starts to separate at the edges.

Fold in the fried brinjals and a few tablespoons of water to make a thick, clinging gravy. Cover and Microwave at &0% power for 3 minutes. Let it stand for 3-4 minutes before serving.