I have always been a fan of Indian cuisine, and one of my favorite dishes is bharta. Bharta is a spicy and flavorful dish made with roasted eggplant, tomatoes, onions, and various spices. Traditionally, the eggplant is roasted over an open flame, but this can be a time-consuming and messy process. Luckily, I discovered a simple and fast method to roast eggplant in the microwave for bharta, and today, I am going to share it with you.
The Microwave Method: A Game Changer
The Traditional Way – Roasting Eggplant on an Open Flame
Before we dive into the microwave method, let me briefly explain the traditional way of roasting eggplant for bharta. In this method, the eggplant is directly roasted over an open flame until the skin is charred and the flesh inside turns soft and smoky. This adds a unique flavor to the dish, but it requires constant attention and can be quite messy. Not to mention, it can take quite a bit of time.
The Microwave Method
The microwave method, on the other hand, is a game changer. It is fast, easy, and mess-free. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Start by choosing a firm and shiny eggplant. Make sure it is free from any bruises or blemishes.
2. Wash the eggplant thoroughly under running water and pat it dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
3. Take a fork and pierce the eggplant all over. This will prevent it from bursting while cooking in the microwave.
4. Place the pierced eggplant in a microwave-safe dish. You can cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for the steam to escape. This will help in the cooking process.
5. Cook the eggplant in the microwave on high power for about 7-8 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and power of your microwave. You can check if the eggplant is done by gently pressing it with a fork or tongs. If it feels soft, it is cooked.
6. Once the eggplant is cooked, carefully remove it from the microwave. It will be hot, so be sure to use oven mitts or a kitchen towel to handle it.
7. Let the eggplant cool for a few minutes, then gently peel off the charred skin. The skin should come off easily, revealing the soft and smoky flesh inside.
The Magic of Microwave-Roasted Eggplant for Bharta
Now that you know how to roast eggplant in the microwave, let’s talk about why this method is so amazing for making bharta.
1. Time-Saving: The microwave method is incredibly fast. Instead of spending 20-30 minutes roasting the eggplant over an open flame, you can have it cooked and ready to be used in your bharta in less than 10 minutes.
2. Easy and Mess-Free: Unlike the traditional method, the microwave method is hassle-free and mess-free. There are no open flames to deal with, and the eggplant cooks inside a covered dish, preventing any splatters or spills.
3. Consistency: With the microwave method, you have more control over the cooking process. You can adjust the cooking time based on the size of the eggplant and your personal preference. This ensures that you get a consistent texture every time.
4. Flavorful Results: While the microwave method may not impart the same smoky flavor as the traditional method, it still produces delicious results. The eggplant becomes soft and tender, perfect for mashing into a bharta.
Conclusion
Roasting eggplant in the microwave for bharta is a simple and fast method that saves time and eliminates the mess associated with the traditional method. With just a few minutes in the microwave, you can have perfectly cooked eggplant ready to be transformed into a delicious and flavorful bharta. So, the next time you’re craving this classic Indian dish, give the microwave method a try and enjoy the convenience without compromising on taste.