Begun kalia - colorful eggplant

6 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
2poundsSmall (Italian style) eggplants
4cupsOil or ghee for frying
2tablespoonsOil or ghee
6Cloves
6Whole cardamon pods, crushed
1Piece (2 inch) cinnamon, crushed
1teaspoonTurmeric
1teaspoonCayenne powder
1cupYogurt
1teaspoonSalt or to taste

Directions

Cut each eggplant lengthwise into 4 equal pieces. Heat oil or ghee in a pan and fry eggplant pieces until brown and tender. Drain on paper towels.

In another pan, heat the 2 Tblsp. oil or ghee. Add cloves, cardamon, cinnamon. Fry for ½ minute. Add turmeric, cayenne, yogurt and salt.

Reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Add fried eggplants, spooning yogurt mixture over eggplant. Remove from heat.

Serve either hot or at room temperature with rice or Indian bread, (Naan, Roti, etc) or as a side dish.

From: _Sampling the cuisine of India_ by Sambhu Banik