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, puréed
 * salt and green chillies to taste
 * 400 grams small brinjals, sliced, salted, drained and fried

Directions

 * 1) Put the oil in a microwave-safe dish.
 * 2) Microwave at 100% power for 2 minutes.
 * 3) Drop in the seeds.
 * 4) Continue to microwave at the same level for one minute.
 * 5) Add the spices and ginger-garlic paste.
 * 6) Stir and cook for another 3 minutes (or 2 minutes at microwave 70% + convection 200°C).
 * 7) Pour in the tomato purée.
 * 8) Cover with a paper napkin.
 * 9) Cook at 100% power for 8 minutes, stirring twice, till the oil starts to separate at the edges.
 * 10) Fold in the fried brinjals and a few tablespoons of water to make a thick, clinging gravy.
 * 11) Cover and microwave at and 50% power for 3 minutes.
 * 12) Let it stand for 3-4 minutes before serving.