Baingan Kachri

Ingredients

 

1 tablespoon lemon juice

 

1/2 teaspoon salt

 

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

 

1 large eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices

 

1 medium onion, minced

 

1 teaspoon minced garlic

 

1 small green chili pepper, seeded and minced (optional)

 

1 tablespoon coriander seeds, pounded

 

1 tablespoon cumin seeds, pounded

 

Salt, to taste

 

1 large tomato, chopped

 

2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

 

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

 

1 teaspoon dry mango powder or 1 teaspoon lemon juice

 

Mint leaves, to garnish

 

Cherry tomatoes, halved, to garnish

Directions

Mix together the lemon juice, salt, and 1 tablespoon of oil.
Brush on both sides of each eggplant slice.
Broil until tender and light brown.
Keep warm.
In a nonstick frying pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
Add the onion, garlic, and green chili pepper (if using), and saute until translucent.
Add the coriander, cumin seeds, and salt, and saute for a few seconds more.
Stir in all the remaining ingredients and cook until the tomato is just heated through (do not overcook).
Top each eggplant slice with the cooked mixture and garnish with mint leaves and cherry tomatoes.
Serve as a first course or as a side dish with any main dish of your choice, with chapati or rice.