Enne Badanekai (Odia:Baigana kasaa, Hindi: Baingan ka Salan)

Enne Badanekai (Odia:Baigana kasaa, Hindi: Baingan ka Salan)

Ingredients

1. 4 to 6 small eggplants
2. 2 Onions medium size (Chopped)
3. Ground nuts (peanuts) or cashew nuts - 1/2 cup
4. Sesame seeds - 1tsp
5. Garlic - 5 to 6 pieces
6. Cumin seed - 1/2 tsp 
7. Coriander seeds - 1 tsp
8. Grated coconut - 1/2 to 3/4 cup
9. Red chillies - 3 to 4
10. Turmeric - 1/4 tsp
11. Tamarind - one marble size
12. Salt to taste
13. 1/2 cup of oil or as required
14. Coriander leaves

How to Prepare

Add tamarind in 1/2 cup of water and extract the juice. Keep it aside.

Heat oil in a pan. Add sesame seeds, crushed garlic, red chillies, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, peanuts (cashew nuts) and fry for 2-3 mins

Add fried contents, tamarind extract, salt & grated coconut and grind it till it becomes smooth paste. Now Masala is prepared.

Wash and Make 4 slits on the eggplants keeping the stems intact.

Stuff the masala into the eggplants and keep aside.

In a thick bottom vessel/pan add 3 to 4 tsp oil. Add Onion, turmeric and salt. Fry till onion turns golden brown.

Add stuffed eggplants and remaining masala to the pan.

Add water and salt as required. Stir well and cover the lid. Keep it in low flame and cook till the eggplants become tender.

Garnish it with coriander leaves and serve it hot with rice or roti.