Chatpata Baigan (Brinjal / Egg Plant)

Sukha Chatpatta Baigan (Brinjal)

Ingredients

• 300 gms of small brinjal (each brinjal cut into 4 pieces)
• 2 tbsp of chopped garlic
• 1 tsp aamchur (dry mango) powder
• 1/4 tsp asafoetida (  hing)
• 1/2 tsp mustard seeds (big)
• 1/2 tsp whole cumin (jeera)
• 1/2 tsp of whole coriander (dhania)
• 1 tbsp peanuts
• 10-12 curry patta leaves 
• Salt to taste
• Red chilli powder to taste
• 1/2 tsp chilli flakes (optional)
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• 2 tbsp of oil

Method

• Dry roast the cumin, coriander, mustard seeds and peanuts in a flat bottomed pan, till you get a nice fragrance and colour changes. Remove from heat and keep aside till it cools down and then grind to a powder. 
• In a pan add oil and let it warm. 
• Add in chopped garlic and stir fry for a few minutes
• Add the cut brinjal and stir fry for few minutes, then lower flame and stir fry till the brinjal is half done.
• Add the turmeric powder, chilli powder, chilli flakes and salt and mix it in 
• Continue to cook the brinjal till is is about 90% done.
• Now add the ground powder and mix it in well
• Add the curry patta leaves and stir fry for few minutes
• Once the brinjal is cooked move the brinjal to the sides of the pan
• In the center put 1 tsp oil, once it is warn add the asafoetida
• When it starts cooking / spluttering, mix it in with the brinjal
• Now add in the aamchur powder and cook for a few more minutes till done. 

Note: Since we are using very little oil the masala might stick to the pan. As and when the masala sticks to the pan add 2-3 tbsp of water and stir fry .