Aloo Baingan – India

Aloo Baingan Recipe: Indian Potato and Eggplant Curry

Ingredients:

• 2 medium-sized eggplants, washed and cubed
• 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust according to spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped, for garnish
• 2-3 tablespoons oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

• Cut the eggplants and potatoes into cubes and immerse them in water to prevent browning.

2. Heat the Oil:

• Heat oil in a pan or kadai over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Let them splutter.

3. Sauté Aromatics:

• Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.

4. Add Ginger, Garlic, and Green Chilies:

• Add grated ginger, minced garlic, and chopped green chilies. Sauté for a couple of minutes until the raw smell disappears.

5. Add Tomatoes and Spices:

• Add chopped tomatoes to the pan. Cook until the tomatoes turn soft and the oil starts to separate.
• Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a few minutes until the spices are well combined and the oil starts to separate.

6. Add Potatoes and Eggplants:

• Drain the water from the cubed potatoes and eggplants. Add them to the pan. Mix well with the masala to coat the vegetables evenly.

7. Cook the Vegetables:

• Cover the pan and let the vegetables cook on low-medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the potatoes and eggplants are tender. This might take around 15-20 minutes.

8. Add Garam Masala:

• Once the vegetables are cooked, add garam masala. Mix well and cook for a few more minutes.

9. Garnish and Serve:

• Garnish the Aloo Baingan with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
• Serve hot with roti, naan, or rice. Enjoy your delicious homemade Aloo Baingan!