Equipment
Ingredients
Main Produce
- 1 large eggplant, whole
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 2 roma tomatoes, chopped
- 1 green chili, minced
Aromatics & Spices
- 30 ml vegetable oil
- 10 g ginger paste
- 10 g garlic paste
- 7 g curry powder
- 2 g smoked paprika
- 5 g salt
Finishing
- 15 g fresh cilantro, chopped
- 15 ml lemon juice
Nutrition (per serving)
Method
Preheat your oven to 230°C (450°F). Prick the eggplant all over with a fork to prevent it from bursting. Brush lightly with a small amount of oil.
Place the eggplant on a baking sheet and roast until the skin is charred, blackened, and the flesh is completely collapsed and soft. Turn occasionally for even cooking.
Remove eggplant from the oven. Let it cool until safe to handle. Peel off the charred skin (it's okay if small black specks remain). Mash the flesh thoroughly in a bowl.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat (175°C/350°F). Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown and caramelized.
Add the ginger, garlic, and green chili (if using). Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, curry powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes break down and the oil begins to separate from the masala paste.
Add the mashed roasted eggplant to the pan. Mix vigorously to combine with the tomato-spice base. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently, to let the flavors meld and excess moisture evaporate.
Remove from heat. Stir in fresh cilantro and lemon juice. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Chef's Notes
- The key to this dish is the 'bharta' (mash) texture and smokiness. Do not be afraid to char the eggplant skin thoroughly; the smoky flavor permeates the flesh.
- If using a standard grocery store curry powder, look for 'Madras' blends which have a better heat and coriander profile than generic yellow powders.
- For the most authentic flavor, replace the vegetable oil with mustard oil, heating it until it smokes slightly before adding onions to remove its raw pungency.
- This dish is actually better served warm or at room temperature rather than piping hot, allowing the spice complexity to shine.
- When selecting an eggplant, press the skin gently; if it bounces back, it is fresh. If the indentation remains, it is old.
Storage
Refrigerator: 4 days — Flavors deepen the next day. Store in an airtight container.
Reheating: Gently warm in a pan over low heat or microwave, adding a splash of water if dry.
