Baingan Bhaja

INGREDIENTS:

Large eggplant(baingan/brinjal)-1
Garlic paste-1 tbsp
Ginger paste-1 tbsp
Red chili powder/ Paprika-1 tsp
Turmeric powder-1 tsp
Mustard powder-1 tbsp
Coriander powder-1 tbsp
Corn flour-1 tbsp
Roasted gram flour - 2 tbsp
Salt to taste
Oil for frying-1 ½ cup
Chat Masala - 1 tsp
Vinegar - 1 tbsp
Tomato slices - 4-5
Dried mango powder - 1 tsp
Mint leaves - 2-3
Ranch or white sauce -1 tsp

METHOD

Wash the eggplant and cut it in thick slices.Now take a big bowl and put garlic - ginger paste, turmeric, chili, coriander powder, corn flour, roasted gram flour, salt, vinegar, dried mango powder and 2 tbsp of water. Make a smooth paste and rub it on each eggplant slice. Keep it aside for 30-40 min to marinate.Heat a frying pan with oil. Place 4-5 slices in heated oil. Fry them each side till they turn to golden brown.

If you are calorie conscious, want to avoid oil/fat, and/or do not want to eat fried dish then you can skip the frying step. Instead of frying, heat a flat pan and grease it with 1 tbsp oil. Place 4-5 slices in pan. Cook them on medium heat for 7-8 min each side or until they turn to golden brown.

Keep fried eggplant slices on kitchen paper towel to absorb excess oil.
Place them in a serving plate. Sprinkle chat masala over fried slices, garnish with tomato slices, ranch and mint leaves. Serve it as a side dish.