Aam Begun (Eggplant with Green Mango)
Aam Begun. Deep fried eggplant. Sinfully caramelized. The crisp tart of green mangoes. The earthy sweetness of honey. The fiendish heat of green chillies. The piquant zing of mustard. A yogic equilibrium of flavors. Enjoy !!!!
Ingredients
- 1 medium sized eggplant cut into 2 inch long batons
- 1 small raw green mango roughly chopped and blended to a coarse paste with 1-2 green chillies
- 1 tsp turemeric powder
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard seeds
- 1 tbsp black mustard seeds
- 7-8 green chilies slit
- 2-3 dry whole red chillies
- 1 tsp honey
- 3 tbsp mustard oil
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Smear the eggplant batons with little turmeric powder and salt.
- Soak 2 tbsp yellow mustard and 1/2 tbsp black mustard in warm water for 15 odd minutes. Drain the mustard. Make a smooth paste of the mustard with 3-4 green chillies, a pinch of turmeric powder and a couple of grains of rice.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in pan and fry the eggplant till light brown. Keep aside on a kitchen absorbent towel.
- Add another 1 tbsp oil to the same pan, when smoking hot, throw in 1/2 tbsp of black mustard seeds and the red chillies. Allow to splutter.
- Add 1 tbsp of green mango paste, cook till oil is released. Stir in the mustard paste. Saute for 2-3 minutes.
- Throw in the fried eggplant and remaining green chillies, toss lightly. Cover and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Splash a little water if it is getting a bit too dry.
- Add the honey and some more mango paste if you want it to be more tart.
- Adjust seasonings.
- Switch off the flame. Drizzle the remaining mustard oil.