Amritsari Masala Baigan

Spicy and delicious brinjals -speciality of Amritsar-Punjab(India)

INGREDIENTS-

• Small brinjals-350 gms(15)
• Tomato-1
• Curry leaves-8
• Grated ginger-1 tsp
• Tamarind paste-2 tsp
• Sugar-2 tsp
• Oil-4 tbsp
• Mustard seeds-1 tsp
• Nigella seeds(kalonji)-a pinch of *
• Water-3/4 cup

Spice to mix-

• Fennel powder(saunf )-1 tsp
• Dessicated coconut-2 tbsp
• Coriander powder-2 tbsp 
• Carom seeds(ajwain)-a pinch(optional)
• Red chili powder-1.5 tbsp
• Mango powder-1.5 tsp
• Turmeric powder-1 tsp
• Garam masala-1 tsp
• Salt-1 tsp 

PROCEDURE-

1. Wash and make 4 slits in the brinjals( +), keeping the steam and the brinjal intact .
2. In a bowl mix all the spices listed in - Spice to mix(A)
3. Heat oil in a pressure cooker and add mustard seeds ,when they start crackling add kalonji and grated ginger.
4. Saute and add chopped tomato,stir for a minute and add the spice mixture(A).
5. Stir for 30 seconds and then add brinjals and salt ,saute for a minute.
6. Add 1 cup water,mix well,and pressure cook on medium flame for 1 whistle.
7. Open the cooker as soon as it cool down.
8. Add tamarind pulp and sugar and cook for 1 minute on medium flame.
9. Add fresh coriander and serve.

Note-

If you don't want to use nigella seeds (kalonji)and ajwain, then use cumin seeds instead. 

Serving suggestions-best with chapati,daal and rice