Brinjal with Moong Dal (Baigan Dali)

Ingredients:
Brinjal – 1/4 kg
Moong Dal – 1/2 cup
Turmeric Powder – 1/2 tsp
Onion – 1, large
Oil – 2 tblsp
Bay Leaves – 2
Salt to taste

For Seasoning:
Ghee – 1 tblsp
Red Chilli – 1, broken into 2 to 3 pieces
Garlic – 3 cloves (optional)

Grind to a fine paste:
Cloves – 3
Peppercorns – 6 to 8
Cardamoms – 2 large
Cinnamon – 1 inch piece
Cumin Seeds – 1 tsp
Red Chillies – 1 to 2

Method:
1. Boil dal with 1/4 tsp turmeric powder and set aside.
2. Cut brinjals into 1 inch long pieces, chop onion, slit garlic and keep each separate.
3. Heat oil, add bay leaves and onion, fry till browned.
4. Add brinjal pieces and 1/4 tsp turmeric powder and fry on low heat.
5. Cover and cook till brinjals turn soft.
6. Add ground paste, fry for a while till oil surfaces.
7. Now add dal, salt and some water.
8. Simmer for a while.
9. Season red chilli and garlic in ghee.
10. When garlic is browned, pour into dal and mix.
11. Serve with rice and ghee.