Garlic braised eggplant & chickpea casserol

6 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
¼cupVegetable oil plus 2 tablespoons
teaspoonCumin seed
½teaspoonFennel seeds
½teaspoonBlack peppercorns cracked
2mediumsOnions sliced
12largesGarlic clove thickly sliced
2teaspoonsPowdered mustard
1teaspoonRed pepper flakes
1teaspoonTumeric or curry powder
1teaspoonSalt
1smallEggplant (about 3/4 lb) unpeeled, cut into 1/2\"X2\" pieces
5Plum tomatoes (about 3/4 lb) quartered
19ouncesChick peas rinsed and drained
2tablespoonsCilantro (or mint) chopped

Directions

In a large skillet or flameproof casserole, heat the oil over high heat. Add the cumin seeds and cook til dark brown, about 15 seconds.

Add the fennel seeds and black pepper and cook for 5 seconds. Add the onion and garlic and reduce the heat to moderately high. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion and garlic are lightly browned, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the mustard, hot pepper, tumeric and salt. Add the eggplant.

Reduce the heat to moderate and cook, stirring gently, until the eggplant is limp, about 5 minutes. Gently stir in the chick peas, cover and simmer over low heat until the liquid thickens to a gravy and the flavors have blended, about 5 minutes. Season with additional salt to taste. Sprinkle the coriander over the top and serve. Walt MM teresa@...