Ingredients
Vegetables
- 500-600 grams Indian eggplants
- 300 grams potatoes (~6-7 baby potatoes)
- 250 grams tomatoes (sliced, ~2 medium tomatoes)
Spices and Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
- Pinch of asafoetida
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 5 grams ginger (finely diced)
- 1/2 jalapeño or green chili (finely diced)
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon Kashmiri chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground fennel
- Salt (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon aamchur (dried mango powder)
Finishing Touches
- 15 grams fresh cilantro (chopped)
- Spritz of fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Slice the potatoes into 1/2-inch thick half-moons. Remove the stems from the eggplants and slice them into 1/2-inch thick half-moons as well.
- Heat oil and temper spices: Warm 1 tablespoon of neutral oil over medium heat. Once hot, add a pinch of asafoetida and 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds. When the seeds begin to pop, immediately add the sliced potatoes along with the finely diced ginger to the pan.
- Sauté potatoes and add spices: Cook the potatoes until they turn light golden brown and become slightly translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Then add the diced jalapeño, 1 tablespoon ground coriander, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon Kashmiri chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon garam masala, and salt to taste. Toss everything thoroughly to coat the potatoes evenly with the spices.
- Cook the eggplants: Add the sliced eggplants to the pan and mix well with the spiced potatoes. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the eggplants become tender without sticking.
- Add tomatoes and fennel: Stir in the sliced tomatoes and 1 teaspoon ground fennel powder. Cover again and cook for another 5 minutes or until the tomatoes are soft and well integrated into the curry.
- Finish with aamchur and herbs: Mix in 1/2 teaspoon aamchur powder to add a tangy note. Remove the pan from heat.
- Garnish and serve: Just before serving, stir in freshly chopped cilantro and spritz with fresh lemon juice for brightness. Serve warm with roti, yogurt (dahi), and dal for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute baby potatoes with regular potatoes cut into similar size pieces.
- If you prefer less heat, omit or reduce the jalapeño/green chili.
- Aamchur powder adds a unique tangy flavor; lemon juice can substitute but add less or adjust to taste.
- Be careful not to overcook the eggplants to avoid mushiness; keep checking tenderness while cooking.
- This dish pairs well with plain basmati rice along with roti and lentils.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian