Ingredients

• 1 - brinjal (big)
• 5-6 - onions (finely chopped)
• 5-6 - tomatoes (finely chopped)
• 7-8 - green chillies
• 2 tbsp - ginger (finely cut)
• 1/2 tsp - red chilli powder
• 2 tsp - coriander powder
• 1 tsp - garam masala
• a pinch of hing
• salt to taste
• oil and cumin for sauteing
• green coriander leaves for garnishing

How to Make Plain Baingan Ka Bharta

• If using an oven, pre-heat to 375 degrees.
• Grease the brinjal with some oil, wrap in foil and put in the oven.
• Or else, put the brinjal on a gas burner, keep turning it until the skin starts cracking and can be peeled off easily.
• Make sure the brinjal has been cooked well under the skin.
• Remove the brinjal from the burner and allow it to cool.
• Peel off the skin under cold water.
• Mash the brinjal well and keep in a bowl.
• Heat oil in a pan, add hing and cumin.
• After five seconds, add chopped onions and wait till they turn light golden brown.
• Add green chillies and ginger, heat for 2-3 minutes.
• Put tomatoes and stir until the masala oozes oil.
• Add coriander powder, garam masala and red chilli powder.
• Add the mashed brinjal to the masala and mix well.
• Add salt to taste.
• The more you saute the masala, the better the taste.
• Turn off the flame.
• Garnish with coriander leaves.
• Serve hot with paratha or roti.