Brinjal Methi Bharta With Pomagrams

Step 1: To begin making this recipe, we will first saute the chopped methi leaves

Step 2: Heat a teaspoon of oil in a pan, add the chopped methi leaves and stir fry it on medium heat until you notice the leaves shrink and soften

Step 3: The methi leaves will also give out a lot of water

Step 4: Evaporate most of the moisture by turn the heat to high for a few minutes

Step 5: Once most of the water is evaporated, turn off the heat and keep the methi aside

Step 6: The next step is to make the Baingan Bharta

Step 7: For this, the  brinjal can be roasted in two ways; in the oven or on the gas flame

Step 8: Method using the oven for roasting : Preheat the oven to 180 C

Step 9: Place the brinjal on a baking sheet and place in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the brinjal has started to soften and the outer skin is charred

Step 10: When you prick inside with a knife, you can feel that the brinjal has become tender, if not continue to roast until done

Step 11: Method using the flame for roasting: Place the brinjal on the stove top flame, with continuous monitoring, using tongs to turn the brinjal around while it is roasting

Step 12: After about 10 minutes you will notice that the brinjal’s skin begins to char and the inside begins to get tender

Step 13: To test, when you insert a knife you will feel it is soft and not hard

Step 14: If hard continue to roast until done

Step 15: Once brinjal is roasted allow the brinjal to cool down

Step 16: Peel the charred skin of the cooled brinjal and discard the skin

Step 17: Coarsely mash the pulp using a fork or mince finely using a knife

Step 18: Heat oil in a pan over medium high heat

Step 19: Add the cumin seeds and allow seeds to crackle

Step 20: Add the grated ginger and chopped onions, sauté over medium heat until the onions are tender

Step 21: Then add the grated tomatoes, turmeric powder, green chillies, coriander powder, garam masala powder and chilli powder

Step 22: Stir to combine and sauté until all the ingredients come together for about couple of minutes

Step 23: Stir in the roasted brinjal, butter and salt

Step 24: Turn the heat to low and simmer the brinjal for about 10 minutes or so until it gets well combined with the tomatoes and spices

Step 25: Turn off the heat and stir in the sauteed methi leaves

Step 26: Check the salt and spices and adjust to suit your taste

Step 27: To add color and subtle sweetness to this Baingan Methi Bharta, sprinkle it with Pomegranate seeds and served it along with Phulkas and Punjabi Kadhi Pakora