Dahi Baingan(Brinjals in yogurt gravy)

        Brinjals are avoided by many,but I have always found brinjals to be a very interesting vegetable in the kitchen.Be it stuffed ,roasted ,fried in fritters or simply cooked in pieces ,the options are endless.Dahi baingan is  a yogurt based preparation of brinjals and it requires the big purple ones or commonly called the bharta baingan.

Ingredients

Brinjals -1 big(chopped in medium sized pieces)

Thick curd (yogurt)-2 heaped tablespoons

All purpose flour(maida)-1 teaspoon

Garlic and green chili paste-1 heaped teaspoon

Cumin seeds -1 teaspoon 

Bay leaves-1 teaspoon

Coriander powder-1 heaped teaspoon

Cumin powder-1 teaspoon

Chili powder-1 teaspoon

Turmeric powder-1 teaspoon

Salt--as per taste

Sugar-1 teaspoon

Garam masala powder-1 teaspoon

Coriander leaves -chopped

Keep your ingredients ready

One tablespoon oil in pan

                                                   
                                               Add the brinjals ,salt and turmeric

                                                     
                                          Cover and cook on medium flame for 5 to 7 minutes

Remove from the pan once they become soft

In the meantime mix the all purpose flour and the sugar in the yogurt and keep it ready

To the same pan add oil if required and add the cumin and the bay leaves

                                        

                                           
                                                  Time to add the garlic and green chili paste

                                                                   
                                         Fry in medium flame till the raw smell of garlic is gone

                                             
                                             Add the yogurt and spices except the garam masala

                                                            Saute in medium flame till the yogurt becomes dry and releases                                                               oil

                                       
                                           Now add about 2 tablespoon of water

                                                 Let it come to a boil

Add the garam masala,coriander leaves and adjust the seasoning if required

                                       
                                                                 Add the brinjals

                                                             
                                                           Mix well on high heat

                                                            Ready to serve

This recipe goes well with steamed rice ,parathas or plain chapati.