Baigan Bharta (Mashed Eggplant)

Directions

1. 1
   Cooking the eggplant: Poke the eggplants (say 2, medium sized ones) with a knife, and insert slivers of garlic in the slits.
2. 2
   The eggplant can be roasted either in a conventional oven, a microwave, or ideally, on a slow charcoal grill.
3. 3
   When they are done (they become kinda' limp), peel, and mash up the insides.
4. 4
   Use a knife to cut up the long fibres.
5. 5
   Seasoning: In a wok, heat some oil, and add chopped onions, and chopped ginger.
6. 6
   Fry until the onions are semi-browned, and then add the mashed eggplant.
7. 7
   Add salt, and pepper to taste.
8. 8
   Season with lots of chopped cilantro (coriander leaves).
9. 9
   Since the eggplant is already cooked, you need not cook for long in the wok just long enough to mix things up good.
10. 10
    A tomato or two chopped fine, and added with the eggplant also tastes good.
11. 11
    Alternative sesoning: Chop onions, ginger, tomatoes, and cilantro, and mix cold with the mashed eggplant, and a few table spoons of mustard oil.
12. 12
    The mustard oil gives a nice tangy taste.
13. 13
    Look for mustard oil in your nearest Indian grocery store.