Baingan Bharta: Smoky Mashed Eggplant With Tomato And Onions

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   ["Prepare the eggplant: Turn on your broiler or pre-heat over to 450 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease. Rinse and dry the eggplants. Prick all over with a fork or thin knife to allow air to escape while it roasts. Place on prepared baking sheet and in the oven. Roast for 45-60 minutes, turning every 20 minutes, until the skin is deeply charred and collapsed, and the eggplant has cooked all the way through. Allow the eggplant to cook, then using a large spoon, scoop out the flesh into a bowl. (If you are sensitive to the ""bitter"" eggplant taste, scoop directly into a large fine mesh sieve over the sink to drain the juices as you work on the ""masala"".)", "Prepare the ""masala"": Heat the oil in a large pan or medium wok. Add the onion and chili and cook over medium high till the onions have softened and are starting to brown around the edges. (Unlike other Indian dishes, you don't want to brown the onions too much for this recipe). Add the tomatoes and salt (if using canned tomatoes, be conservative with the salt at first) and cook for 15 minutes, until the tomatoes have ""melted"" and their juices mostly evaporated. Add smoked paprika, if desired.", "Finish: Add the eggplant to the ""masala"" and mash with a potato masher or your wooded spoon to desired texture (I like to keep it a little ""chunky"". Cook for 5-10 minutes till the eggplant has fully taken on the red of the tomato. Turn off the heat, sprinkle over the cilantro and serve with roti, naan, or bread of your choice.", "Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 1 week."]

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.