Spicy Indian Eggplant Spread

Total Time: 50 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 35 mins

Ingredients

• 2 eggplants, cubed
• 5 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 large garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (to taste)
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can petite diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• salt, to taste

Recipe

• 1 toss eggplant with 3 tablespoons vegetable oil and spread on a long baking sheet prepared with nonstick cooking spray.
• 2 place on bottom rack of oven and turn oven onto 400°f roast for 20 minutes, until golden brown.
• 3 stir eggplant and roast for an additional 5 minutes.
• 4 heat remaining oil in a skillet and add onion.
• 5 saute until onion is golden, then stir in garlic and ginger for just a moment.
• 6 add garam masala, cumin, and cayenne pepper (adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred heat level).
• 7 once spices are fragrant, about another 30 seconds, add eggplant, tomatoes, and water to skillet.
• 8 simmer for 10 minutes, partially covered, before removing from heat.
• 9 stir in cilantro and salt, if desired.
• 10 optional: run spread through food processor or blender if you prefer it to have a smoother consistency.