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To make a luscious and filling recipe of baingan aloo, start by preparing your vegetables. Wash 500 gms of brinjal (eggplant) and chop it into medium-sized pieces.
- 2
It is important to soak the chopped brinjal in water for a few minutes so that it does not get coloured so that the colourful dish is retained. Then, wash the potatoes and cut them into cubes of three medium-sized potatoes, which will complement the brinjal and add heartiness to the dish.
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Once you've prepped your vegetables, heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a kadai or a deep pan over medium heat. The oil is ready when it splutters a little.
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Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds to the hot oil and let them splutter, as that releases their nutty aroma and flavour to the oil and this is what gets you prepped for your curry. As the seeds crackle, that's your cue to put in the next ingredient.
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Now add 1 finely chopped onion to the pan. Saut the onions till they turn brown; usually, it takes around 5-7 minutes.
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The caramelization of the onions gives this dish a depth of flavour. Once the onions are nicely browned, add 1 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste. Stir this mixture for about 1 minute. This makes the raw smell of the ginger and garlic dissipate, giving you a fragrant base for your curry.
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Add the 2 chopped tomatoes to the pan next. Cook the tomatoes until they have softened down and become mushy; this should take around 5-6 minutes.
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It is through this important stage that the tomatoes will break down and create a rich, sour sauce to bind all of the flavours together. After the tomatoes are cooked down, the spices can be added.
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Add 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon red chili powder, 1 teaspoon coriander powder, and 1/2 teaspoon garam masala. Mix all these spices well with the onion-tomato mixture and let it cook for 2-3 minutes to let them properly blend in.
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Once the spices have been cooked, drain the water from the soaked brinjal and add the chopped brinjal pieces along with the cubed potatoes to the kadai. Mix everything well so that the vegetables get coated very nicely by the aromatic masala.
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The brinjal will soak it in and give an absolutely rich taste to the curry. Season the mixture with salt to taste. Add 1/2 cup water and allow it to form a sauce. Cover the lid of the kadai and let it cook at low flame for 15-20 minutes. Sometimes, it may be stirred occasionally so that it does not stick to the kadai and gets well-cooked and tender.
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They will tenderize in flavour and become soft during cooking. Brinjal and potatoes will turn out soft and appetizing and all the spices blending into them will provide for a very comforting and satisfying dish. Once all of the vegetables are cooked through, and tender, remove the lid and give everything a good stir.
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Finally, sprinkle the curry with some chopped coriander leaves for a fresh colour. This enhances the overall presentation and flavour of the dish. The baingan aloo is best served with roti or steamed rice when it is warm so that the comforting warmth of the dish can stand out.
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This is another easy dish bringing seasonal vegetables with aromas of nice spices and great textures to your table. Enjoyed on a cozy night at home or at a gathering, this baingan aloo recipe will become a winner for every palate.