Punjabi Baingan Ka Bharta (Punjabi Style Eggplant)

Punjabi Baingan Bharta is just one of the several versions of eggplant bharta there are in Indian cooking. Bhartas are largely north indian in origin and made from all sorts of vegetables. I can eat this bharta any time of the day with roti's. There is one more version of bharta which i have learn from my SIL , but my hubby prefer this version. This version of baingan ka bharta is really easy to make. Serve it with hot chapatis. Or as a side dish. 

Ingredient's
3 medium-sized eggplants

2 onions, 3 green chilli and 2 tomatos, chopped fine 

1tsp turmeric, 1/2tsp coriander powder, 1/2tsp red chilli powder

8 curry leafs
1/2 tsp cumin seeds, 1/2tsp mustard seeds, 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
2 tbsps finely chopped fresh green coriander

1tsp dry mango powder

Salt and Oil as per req

Cooking Method

Roast on a gas cooktop by just placing the eggplant straight on the burner and keeping the flame on low setting. Keep turning and cooking till all the skin on the eggplant is charred and the inner flesh looks really soft. Once the eggplant is roasted, allow to cool fully and then peel off and discard the charred skin. Once cool, coarsely mash and keep aside for later use. Now set up a pan on medium heat and add the cooking oil. When hot, add the cumin seeds, mustard seeds and curry leafs cook till the spluttering stops. Add the onions and green chili and fry till soft. Add the ginger garlic paste and all the masala powder, except dry mango powder, fry for 1 minute. Add the tomato, stir well and cook for 3-5 minutes. Sprinkle a little water if needed. Now add the eggplant, dry mango powder and salt, mix well. Add the chopped fresh coriander and stir. Cook another minute and turn off the heat. 

Serve hot with Chapatis or Rice.