Slitted spicy baingan (brinjals) in a microwave

Slitted spicy baingan can be made in the microwave. This recipe is for 18 brinjals.

Ingredients

• 1 tspn finely chopped ginger
• 1 tspn finely chopped garlic
• 2 tspn coriander powder
• 2 tspn 
• 1 tspn turmeric powder
• 2 tspn salt
• ½ tspn citric acid
• 1 tspn sugar 
• 18 brinjals

For tempering

• 1 tspn mustard seeds
• 1 tspn sesame seeds
• 2 tbspn oil

For garnishing

• ½ cup finely chopped cilantro
• ½ cup finely grated coconut

Preparation

1. Mix the ingredients in a bowl. 
2. Slit the brinjals vertically from one end without cutting them in two halfs. And make another vertical cut from the other end, at right angles to the first cut.
3. Stuff the brinjals with spice mix.
4. In a glass bowl, add the ingredients for tempering.
5. Place brinjals.
6. Sprinkle the remaining spice mix in the bowl.
7. Cover the bowl.
8. Cook in a microwave for 3 minutes. 
9. Take the bowl out, and turn the brinjals.
10. Repeat steps 8 and 9 three times. 
11. Keep aside.

Instructions

1. Heat the oil, and stir the onions on medium-high heat till they are pink.
2. Add the peppers and powdered spices and stir till the oil separates from the onions. 
3. Add grated ginger and grated garlic and saute for another minute.
4. Add cashew paste and stir well. - optional
5. Add salt to taste. 
6. Add chopped tomatoes, and stir for two minutes. - optional
7. Add the chopped spinach and stir on low-medium heat for another two minutes. 

Garnishing

1. Sprinkle grated coconut and finely chopped cilantro. 

Serving

1. Serve hot with any flat bread - nan, roti or paratha hot from the pan.