Aubergine Mash 6 - Chokha From Bihar
Baingan Bhurta - 6 or Chokha
Mamta Gupta
This a speciality of Bihar. The word bharta Chokha means 'a mash' in Bihar. This particular dish is very similar to this Mediterranean Mash. Amounts are approximate, can be adjusted/altered to suit your taste. Serves 2-4.
Ingredients
1 large aubergine .baingan/baingun/eggplant/brinjal
2 medium sized potatoes (100 gm. each)
2 medium sized tomatoes
1 medium onion (100-150 gm), peeled and chopped. Red onion tastes nicer
1-2 green chillies, sliced thinly
1-2 garlic, peeled and crushed
1 tbsp. chopped coriander leaves
1-2 tsp. mustard oil (you can use olive or other oils, mustard oil is a speciality of Bihar)
Salt to taste
1 tsp. roast cumin, coarsely ground
Instructions
Boil potatoes in their skin or microwaved on high for 6-7 minutes, until soft. Cool and peel.
Roast aubergines either directly over a has flame or on charcoal or in a hot oven, until skin is burnt well and flesh feels soft. For cooking on gas, you can buy a special roasting plate on line or from from Indian supermarkets.
Roast tomatoes either directly over gas flame or on charcoal or in a hot oven, until skin gets blotchy and breaks open. Tomatoes take much less time than aubergines.
Run cold water over tomatoes and aubergines.
Peel tomatoes and aubergines, removing all skin, burnt or otherwise.
Place potato, tomato and egg plant in a bowl, and mash until nearly smooth.
Add chopped onions, green chillies, garlic, coriander leaves, mustard oil and salt. Mix thoroughly.
Serve with Paratha.