Bagara baingan (Eggplant in spicy gravy)

You need
Eggplant - 6 medium size
Onions - 1/2 (finely chopped)
Tomatoes - 2 (pureed)
Bagara baingan masala - 1 tablespoon
Turmeric - 1/2 teaspoon
Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
Tamarind paste - 1/2 teaspoon
Curry leaves
Coriander leaves (finely chopped)
Jaggery - a small piece
Salt
Oil


Method
Slit the eggplant lengthwise halfway down till the stem. Leave the stems on, or just trim the stem slightly.
Sprinkle some water on the eggplants and microwave on high for 3 minutes until the eggplants become little soft.
In a pan add oil and fry the eggplants and keep aside.
In the same pan splutter cumin seeds, add turmeric, onions and sauté until onions turn translucent

Cream of Broccoli

What do you do with a big pack of broccoli florets? This soup is the best justice you can give for this wonderful vegetable which is packed with nutrients. Broccoli is not a hit amongst everyone. I like to have it stir fried the chinese style or else a soup like this. It can be a great meal for kids too.


You need
Broccoli florets - 4-5 cups
Onions - 1/4 cup (finely chopped)
Garlic cloves - 2 
Salt
Pepper
Cheese - any combo
Heavy cream - 1 cup
Butter - 2 tablespoons
Olive oil
Mint leaf
All purpose flour - 1 tablespoon

Method

• In a deep pan, add little olive oil followed by garlic cloves and onions. 
• Sauté until onions turn translucent and then add broccoli florets, water to just immerse the broccoli, cover and boil.
• When the broccoli gets soft, it is time to blend the ingredients.
• To the blended mixture add salt, pepper and heavy cream and bring to a simmer. 
• For the rue - in a separate small pan, add 1 tablespoon of butter and flour and stir well until flour turns brown. This will take about 1-2 minutes.
• Pour this into the soup and add water if it is to thick.
• Finally add cheese and switch off.
• Garnish with a dollop of butter, cheese and a mint leaf.
• Serve hot

Onion raita

For all those who wish to have onion raita without having the smell of onions in your mouth, this is for you.


You need
Onions - 1/4 (finely chopped)
Green chillies - 1/2 (slit/finely chopped)
Salt
Chaat masala - a pinch
Coriander leaves
Cumin seeds - 1/4 teaspoon
Yogurt - 1 cup
Oil


Method

• In very little oil splutter cumin seeds, add onions and green chillies and sauté for a minute until they turn translucent.
• Transfer into a bowl and allow to cool.
• Add salt, chaat masala and beaten yogurt and mix well.
• Garnish with coriander leaves and serve cold.