Brinjal Caviar

Brinjal Caviar, also known as Eggplant Caviar, is a delicious and flavorful spread or dip made with roasted eggplant (brinjal), garlic, onions, tomatoes, and herbs. It's a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, spread on toast or crackers, or used as a dip for vegetables. Here's a simple recipe to make Brinjal Caviar:

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggplants (brinjals)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• Lemon juice, to taste (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Eggplant:

   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Pierce the eggplants several times with a fork to prevent them from bursting while roasting.
   • Place the eggplants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   • Roast the eggplants in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until they are soft and collapsed. Alternatively, you can grill the eggplants over an open flame until charred and tender.

2. Cool and Peel the Eggplant:

   • Once roasted, remove the eggplants from the oven and let them cool slightly.
   • Peel off the skin from the eggplants and discard it.
   • Transfer the flesh of the eggplants to a bowl and mash it using a fork or potato masher. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Brinjal Caviar:

   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until it becomes translucent.
   • Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
   • Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, and cumin powder. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the tomatoes break down and the mixture thickens slightly.
   • Add the mashed eggplant to the skillet and mix well to combine with the tomato mixture.
   • Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.

4. Adjust Seasoning and Serve:

   • Taste the Brinjal Caviar and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add a squeeze of lemon juice for a touch of acidity, if desired.
   • Transfer the Brinjal Caviar to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.

5. Serve:

   • Serve the Brinjal Caviar warm or at room temperature as a spread on toast or crackers, or as a dip for vegetables.

Enjoy the rich and flavorful Brinjal Caviar as a delicious appetizer or snack! It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.