May 7, 2007
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Mashed Smoky Eggplant with Tomatoes

This smooth-textured, luscious side dish—the word bhartha means to pulverize in Hindi, referring to the fact that the ingredients are traditionally mashed in a mortar with a pestle—is excellent served with rice on Naan.
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2 medium eggplants (2 lbs.)
8 tbsp. ghee
2 tsp. cumin seeds
3 medium red onions, finely chopped
8 garlic cloves, finely chopped
4 thai green chiles, stemmed, and finely chopped
4 medium tomatoes, chopped
4 tsp. sugar
1 1⁄2 tbsp. garam masala
1 tbsp. kashmiri red chile powder or paprika
Salt
Sliced tomatoes, for garnish
Julienned ginger, for garnish
Chopped cilantro leaves, for garnish

1. Cook eggplants directly over a medium gas flame, turning, until charred and softened, 10–12 minutes each. Remove skin and roughly chop flesh. Mash eggplant flesh with the bottom of a drinking glass; set aside.

2. Heat ghee in a pot over medium-high heat. Add cumin seeds and cook for 30–45 seconds. Add onions and cook until browned, 25–30 minutes.

3. Add garlic and chiles; cook until lightly browned, 4–5 minutes. Add tomatoes and sugar; cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.

4. Add eggplant, garam masala, chile powder or paprika, and salt to taste. Cook until hot, 3–4 minutes more. Serve garnished with sliced tomatoes, julienned ginger, and chopped cilantro leaves.

SERVES 4

This article was first published in Saveur in Issue #102

Ratings & Reviews (1)

noAvatar
4 stars. Really good. Excellent with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, or naan or pita bread. But here are some modifications that I used. I only used 1 tsp not 1 1/2 tbsp of Garam Masala, and 1 tsp smoked paprika instead of the 1 tbsp chili powder or (regular) paprika. Turned out very good. I also sprinkled about 1/4 cup chopped cilantro just 1 minute before turning stove. I did not use the other garnishes.
Mashed Smoky Eggplant with Tomatoes Reviewed by rmc2 on . 4 stars. Really good. Excellent with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, or naan or pita bread. But here are some modifications that I used. I only used 1 tsp not 1 1/2 tbsp of Garam Masala, and 1 tsp smoked paprika instead of the 1 tbsp chili powder or (regular) paprika. Turned out very good. I also sprinkled about 1/4 cup chopped cilantro just 1 minute before turning stove. I did not use the other garnishes. Rating:

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