Baingan ka Bharta-Smoked mashed Eggplant curry(dry)

Ingredients:

3 tbsp Olive oil
1 large eggplant
1 medium red onion finely sliced
1 medium tomato chopped
1 green chili deseeded and finely chopped (add 2 or more if you like it hot)
1/2 inch ginger grated
2 cloves garlic grated
1/2 tsp red chili pwdr
1/2 tsp turmeric pwdr
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp coriander pwdr
1/2 tsp pepper pwdr
2 tbsp whipped plain yogurt (dahi)
Salt to taste
Cilantro to garnish

Directions :
Make tiny holes all over  the eggplant with a fork .Rub it all over with olive oil.Roast it on the cooking range turning it occasionally till the outer skin is charred and the eggplant is tender. You can alternately bake  it in the oven at 400 F for 30 mins or for a very authentic smoky flavor grill it on a charcoal grill .Let it cool ,then peel the skin , mash the eggplant and keep aside.

Method for  roasting  eggplant 

Heat oil in a pan .Add cumin seeds,when they brown add the onions and saute till they are transluscent.Add the grated ginger and garlic.Stir for 30 seconds. Add the chopped tomato,green chili  , powdered  spices and salt and cook on a medium flame till oil seperates from the mixture.

Add the mashed eggplant ,stir in the yogurt.Mix well and cook on a low flame for 5 mins. Garnish with coriander leaves..Serve with chapatis.