Eggplant Aubergine Raita Recipes

EASY BAINGAN BHARTA (OVEN ROASTED/BROILED EGGPLANT CURRY)

Steps:

• Set your oven rack so that your eggplants will be as close as possible to the heat source. Use a fork or knife to poke holes throughout the eggplant to prevent it from bursting in the oven.
• Preheat your broiler on High (550 degrees F/287 C). Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Roast the eggplants for about 30 minutes, turning midway. The skin will blacken and the eggplant may burst a little.
• Once the eggplant cools down (you can place it in a bowl of water to speed this up) peel the blackened skin, remove the stem and coarsely mash its flesh. I like to do this using the "pulse" function of my food processor. Set aside.
• Heat ghee and oil in a skillet a little over medium heat and add the cumin seeds. They will start to sputter. Immediately add the onion and sauté for 5-8 minutes, or until slightly golden. Add the garlic and ginger and continue to sauté until the raw smell disappears, or about 20 seconds. Add the tomatoes and cook until they're soft and the oil starts to leave the sides, about 5 minutes. Add a bit of water (if needed so the spices don't get burnt) and add the salt, paprika, red chili, and turmeric.
• Add the mashed eggplant and green chili peppers and cook, stirring often, until it is well cooked and becomes mushy like a purée, about 8-10 minutes. Taste and add oil, salt or paprika (for more color) as needed.
• Turn off the heat. Stir in the chopped cilantro leaves. Sprinkle lemon juice and garam masala over it. Serve with naan, roti or other bread. I like to eat it with some yogurt on the side to add some coolness to the dish.

BURNT AUBERGINE RAITA

Steps:

• While the barbecue coals are glowing orange, spend 10 mins charring the aubergine all over to blister the skin and make the flesh limp. If not barbecuing, do this over a gas flame or under the grill - it should take about 20 mins. Leave to cool, then cut in half and scoop out the soft flesh. Mix everything together in a bowl and season to taste. (Can be made a day ahead and kept in the fridge.)

EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) RAITA

Steps:

• Wash and peel the eggplant.
• Cut into thin oval slices.
• Dip in flour, shake off excess.
• Heat oil in a frying pan and fry until light brown in color.
• Drain on kitchen paper.
• Add a little water to the yogurt to make it smoother.
• Add crushed garlic, green chilies, salt and mint.
• Mix well.
• Arrange the eggplant's slices in a serving dish and cover with yogurt mixture. Sprinkle with chat masala.
• Serve with curries or rice dishes.

EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) PATTIES OR EGGPLANT FRITTERS

Steps:

• Cut ends off of eggplants, cut in half length-wise and then into five pieces, length-wise.
• Cut across into 3/4" chunks.
• Steam eggplant chunks for 10 minutes and cool slightly.
• Heat oil in a large frying pan - you may mix vegetable and olive oil instead of using just olive oil.
• Squeeze liquid out of steamed pieces with your hands, keeping pieces from getting too mashed.
• Place bread crumbs (seasoned or unseasoned), parmesan cheese and seasonings into a large bowl and mix.
• You could use a clove or two of fresh garlic, sauteed in place of the garlic salt.
• Beat eggs in a small bowl and add to bread crumb mix along with eggplant pieces.
• Stir to mix well.
• Form patties of any size, but not exceeding an inch in thickness and place in frying pan.
• Cook for five minutes on each side.
• Remove to a towel-lined plate to drain.
• Place in a warm oven if you are not ready to serve them immediately.

EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) SAUCE FOR PASTA

Steps:

• In a very large kettle, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Add onion and garlic; cook until the onion is soft.
• Add tomatoes, eggplant, bell pepper, tomato paste, basil, oregano, sugar, salt, pepper, and wine; stir.
• Bring to boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Put into hot jars and seal.
• Makes 7 pints or 4 quarts.
• Process in hot water bath for 40 minutes.
• This is very good served over pasta with Mozzarella cheese.

AUBERGINE DHAL WITH TOMATO & ONION RAITA

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large non-stick pan and fry the onion, garlic and ginger for 8 mins until softened. Tip in the turmeric, coriander, cumin and chilli and cook for 20 seconds, stirring occasionally.
• Pour in 800ml boiling water, stir in the bouillon, lentils and aubergine, and cover the pan and leave to simmer for 15 mins until the lentils are pulpy. Stir in the chickpeas with their water, if you need a little more liquid, and cook for 5 mins.
• Meanwhile, stir the red onion, coriander, mint and tomatoes with the yogurt to make a raita. Spoon the dhal into two bowls, top with raita and scatter with mint leaves.