Egg Plant .. what do I make of it ???

Egg Plants.. or brinjals.. I think.. are the most ignored vegetables.. but in the great Odiya kitchen, they are a life saver...

Of all things, if you are dull and too tired to make anything special.. a big bowl of "pakhala bhata" and "baigana" (egg plan or brinjal) anything will make it your day...

Picture this... hot summer afternoon.. the family is back from the morning school.. and the mom is way too sun-struck to cook anything desirably wonderful for them for the afternoon.... so then.. what does she do ??

No Fear.. "ignored" Egg-Plant is Here... a quick.. easy.. breezy.. egg-plan stir fry or hash will make a perfect side for the summer-saver "pakhala bhata" !! With some raw onions and green chillies this will make the greatest after-school meal for everyone at home... So eat and enjoy !!

Ingredients:

• Egg plants (I used 2 long ones, you could use 4-5 round ones) cut into cubes (little longer)
• 1 small white/red onion cut into long slices
• 1 small tomato cut into long slices
• 1 tea-spoon mustard seeds + 1 tea-spoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 tea-spoon Red chili powder
• 1/2 tea-spoon cumin+coriander powder
• Wee bit turmeric powder
• Mustard Oil and salt

Process:

• Heat oil in a open pan and splutter cumin and mustard seeds
• Add onions and fry till onion is softer.. but not very very brown. Slight light brown is good enough.
• Then add the egg plants + the powders and mix well.

• Cover and cook the egg-plants till they are soft.
• When soft, add the tomatoes + salt
• Mix well and keep it all on the stove till the tomato is all mushed up.. if its not, its fine too..

• Ensure that the egg-plants are cooked well and coated good with the tomatoes.

As stated before.. this tastes good with "pakhala bhata" but you can also eat it with simple roti or plain paratha.. but the best is the best !!