I have always been a fan of Indian cuisine, and one of my all-time favorite dishes is Baingan Bharta. This delicious and flavorful dish is made with roasted eggplant, tomatoes, onions, and a blend of aromatic spices. Traditionally, Baingan Bharta is cooked on an open flame, but today I am going to share with you a quick and easy recipe to make this mouth-watering dish in the microwave.
Gathering the Ingredients
Ingredients:
Preparing the Eggplant
To start off, I take a large eggplant and wash it thoroughly. Then, I make small slits in the skin of the eggplant using a knife.
Once the slits are made, I place the eggplant on a microwave-safe dish and put it in the microwave. I cook it on high power for about 8-10 minutes until the eggplant becomes soft and tender. I occasionally turn it to ensure even cooking.
Once the eggplant is cooked, I let it cool down for a few minutes. Then, I peel off the skin of the eggplant and mash the flesh into a smooth consistency using a fork or a masher. I set it aside for later use.
Preparing the Tomato-Onion Paste
Now it is time to prepare the tomato-onion paste that will give the Baingan Bharta its rich texture and taste. I take 2 medium-sized tomatoes, 1 medium-sized onion, 2-3 green chilies, 4-5 cloves of garlic, and a 1-inch piece of ginger.
I roughly chop the tomatoes, onion, green chilies, garlic, and ginger. Then, I put them all into a blender and blend until they form a smooth paste.
Cooking the Baingan Bharta
In a microwave-safe bowl, I heat 2 tablespoons of oil on high power for 1 minute. Then, I add 1 teaspoon cumin seeds and cook on high power for another 1 minute until the seeds splutter.
Next, I add the tomato-onion paste to the bowl and mix well. I cook it on high power for 3-4 minutes until the raw smell of the spices disappears, stirring occasionally.
After that, I add the mashed eggplant to the bowl and mix it with the tomato-onion mixture. I sprinkle 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon red chili powder, 1 teaspoon coriander powder, 1 teaspoon garam masala, and salt to taste. I mix everything well, ensuring all the spices are evenly distributed.
Once everything is mixed, I cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or a microwave-safe plate and cook on high power for 5 minutes. This step allows all the flavors to blend together and intensify.
Serving the Baingan Bharta
Once the cooking time is up, I remove the bowl from the microwave and give it a gentle stir. The Baingan Bharta is now ready to be served.
I garnish the dish with fresh coriander leaves for added freshness and aroma. Baingan Bharta pairs perfectly with warm rotis or fragrant basmati rice. It is a dish that can be enjoyed by itself or as a side dish in an Indian meal.
Conclusion
Making Baingan Bharta in the microwave is a quick and easy way to enjoy this delicious Indian dish. By following this recipe, you can savor the rich flavors of roasted eggplant, tomatoes, onions, and spices in just a fraction of the time it takes to cook it traditionally. So why not give it a try and experience the delightful taste of Baingan Bharta right in your own kitchen?