Baingan Bharta (with Peanut Twist) | Egg plant Masala

Baingan Bharta or smoked egg plant masala is a delicious healthy & popular dish from North India.Usually the egg plant is held over stove or placed in an oven to cook and the charred skin is scraped down to get the tender soft cooked egg plant.But here I have used the microwave to finish the cooking faster and easier than the other methods.In this method,we don't get the smoked flavor however the flesh is cooked & mashed just like the other methods.And I have also added peanuts to add a crunch in the masala,we all just liked the additional crunch and kids loved it as chapathi wraps.Try n enjoy !!!

Ingredients
egg plant/baingan 1lb(450gm)
onion 1 large
tomato 2
ginger garlic paste 1 tsp
peanuts 1 fistful
chilly powder 1tsp
coriander powder 1 tsp
turmeric powder 1/2tsp
asafoetida/hing a pinch
garam masala 1/2 tsp
cumin powder 1/2 tsp
cilantro 3-4 sprigs
salt
oil 2-3 tbsp

Method

• Wash the egg plant,pat dry.Apply a thin layer of oil and make a slit longitudinally in the egg plant at one side.Place in a microwave safe bowl and microwave on high for 4 mins.Give an additional minute or so if not done.(The cooking time varies according to the size of egg plant)
• Remove from microwave and let it cool a bit,and then cut the stalk and then cut it halfway.Take a spoon and scoop out the flesh.Place it on a cutting board and chop here & there so that the large pieces are cut down.Discard the flesh.
• Heat oil in a pan and fry the peanuts until lightly browned.Drain on a plate,leave aside.Saute the onions in the same oil until lightly browned.Add in the ginger garlic paste.
• Add in the tomatoes,cook till the tomatoes are mashed.Add in  the spice powders except garam masala.Saute until the raw smell disappears.Add salt.
• Add in the chopped cooked egg plant and give a quick toss.Cook covered for 5 mins on medium flame and then add the peanuts,and cilantro.Adjust salt if required.Add the garam masala powder,mix well.
• Cook for another 2 minutes and then ready to serve with chapathis !!!

Servings~ 3 -4 adults

NOTES
*Don't forget to put the slit egg plant before placing in the microwave or else it will burst out.
*You can even do without adding peanuts.I have tried using green peas too,tastes delicious.
*The egg plant should be large and fat ones.
*You can cook in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F for 45 minutes too if you aren't using microwave.