Curried Greens and Eggplant
BAIGAN SAK
Recipe from Yamuna mataji
The “heat” in this sak should be noticeable. Fresh green chilies,
though unpredictable in strength, are usually milder than dried red
chilies. If you are very sensitive to chilies, try fresh Anaheims or
yellow wax. To be authentic, this dish should be a bit hot and spicy.
Bengalis sauté the greens quickly over high heat, allowing them to
wilt, then soften, but still retain exuberant color and fresh flavor.
Preparation time (after assembling ingredients): a few minutes
Cooking time: 10-15 minutes
Serves: 4 or 5
4 table spoons (60 ml) peanut oil plus
2 table spoons (30 ml) mustard oil, or
6 table spoons (90 ml) vegetable oil
1 small eggplant (8-10 ounces/230-285 g),
Cut into ¾ -inch (2 cm) cubes
½ teaspoon (2 ml) garam masala
½ teaspoon (2 ml) turmeric
1-2 whole green jalapeno chilies, dried
Whole red chilies, Anaheim chilies or
Yellow wax chilies (or as desired)
1 teaspoon (5 ml) each crushed fennel seeds,
Coriander seeds and cumin seeds
½ cassia or bay leaf
1 pound (455 g) fresh spinach, trimmed, washed
and coarsely chopped, or one 10-ounce (285 g)
Package of frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and pressed dry
1 teaspoon (5 ml) Jaggery or maple syrup
½ table spoon (7 ml) salt
1 table spoon (15 ml) lemon or lime juice
4 or 5 lemon or lime wedges
1.
Heat 4 table spoons (60 ml) of peanut or vegetable oil in a
nonstick wok or large frying pan over moderately high heat.. When it is
hot but not smoking, drop in the eggplant and stir-fry until
reddish-brown and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper
towels. Sprinkle with garam masala and turmeric, and toss to coat the
cubes with spices.
2. Add the mustard oil or the
remaining 2 table spoons (30 ml) vegetable oil to the pan. Heat the
mustard oil to the smoking point for a few seconds, but only allow the
vegetable oil to become hot. Immediately add the chilies, spice seeds
and cassia or bay leaf, and in a few seconds add the greens, sugar and
salt. Reduce the heat to moderate and cook for about 4 minutes,
stirring frequently.
3. Add the lemon or lime
juice and fried eggplant, toss gently and reheat the eggplant. Serve
immediately, garnished with lemon or lime wedges.