BHAINGAN KA SALAN (AUBERGINE IN PEANUT SAUCE)

 

BHAINGAN SALAN

Ingredients:

1. Brinjal = 1 (Bigger one,chopped to big cubes)
2. Onion =1(chopped lengthwise)

For SALAN paste:

a) Peanut - 1 tablespoon
b) Sesame seeds - 1 tablespoon(used black sesame seeds)
c) Grated coconut - 1 tablespoon
d) Tamarind (soaked) - 1 tablespoon
e) Jaggery - 1 teaspoon
f) Sambar powder - 1 tablespoon
g) Garam Masala powder - 1 tablespoon
h) Red chilli powder - 1 teaspoon
i) Turmeric powder - 1 teaspoon
j) Garlic - 3 cloves
k) Ginger - 1 inch piece
l) Tomatoes - 2 (roughly chopped)

Method:

• Chop the brinjal into big cubes. 
• Chop the onion in length wise.

For SALAN paste:

Heat a skillet. When the skillet is hot, add peanuts. Toast it for a minute. Then add sesame seeds and dry roast till it pops. Now add grated coconut and saute till it turns a shade darker and is dry. When cool, transfer these toasted ingredients to a blender. Process till they turn coarse. Now add ginger,garlic,tomatoes,red chilli powder,sambar powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder,soaked tamarind and jaggery to the coarse mixture and blend until smooth adding required amount of water (I used black sesame seeds since I didn't have white sesame seeds).

•  Now heat the skillet again with 1 tablespoon of oil. When the oil is hot, add brinjal cubes with little turmeric powder. Saute well and close with a lid. 
• Cook till the brinjal turns slightly tender. It should retain its shape. Take it aside in a plate.     
• Again take two teaspoons of oil in a skillet and heat it. When hot,add chopped onions and saute till they turn slightly brown in colour.Now add the blended paste. 
• Add enough water to get required consistency.You can add atleast  one cup of water as the gravy will thicken due to the peanut .Close the skillet with a lid and simmer the gravy for 10 minutes.    

              

• Now add sauteed brinjal cubes to the gravy.If required,add water and stir everything together.Cook covered for another 5 minutes.Open and stir well.Switch off heat.

         

• Add fresh chopped coriander leaves.
• Serve Bhaingan ka Salan with Roti or Vegetable Biryani.