Bharta

INDIAN CURRIED EGGPLANT - BHARTA

2 lbs (900 g) eggplants (aubergines) 3-4 medium tomatoes, cored and coarsely chopped 1/4 cup (60 ml) finely chopped cilantro (coriander leaves) plus additional for garnish 2 tsp (10 ml) ground coriander 2 tsp (10 ml) ground cumin 1 tsp (5 ml) turmeric 1/4 tsp (1 ml) cayenne pepper, or to taste 1/2 cup (125 ml) ghee 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 Tbs (15 ml) finely chopped fresh ginger 1 onion, finely chopped 1 tsp (5 ml) garam masala Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste The juice of 1 lemon

Pierce the eggplants several times with a sharp knife and bake on a baking sheet in a preheated 450F (220C) oven for 1 hour. Allow to cool slightly and split the eggplants open. Scoop out the flesh and discard the skin. Chop the flesh coarsely and add the tomatoes, cilantro, coriander, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne, stirring to combine thoroughly.

Heat the ghee in a large skillet over moderate heat until it is very hot. Add the garlic and ginger and stir for 15 seconds. Add the onion and stir until the onion is tender but not browned, about 3 minutes. Add the eggplant mixture and cook, stirring frequently, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the mixture has thickened enough that it begins to draw away from the sides of the pan, 5 to 10 minutes. Stir in the garam masala, salt, and pepper and transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with the remaining cilantro and lemon juice. SERVES 4 to 6.

Contributed by:

 * Catsrecipes Y-Group