<p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6307.jpg"><img title="IMG_6307" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="IMG_6307" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6307_thumb.jpg" width="500" border="0" /></a> </p>  <p>One of my major goals in 2010 was to finally learn how to cook Indian food recreating the recipes from my favorite Indian restaurant in Chicago, Udupi Palace.</p>  <p>I knew I wanted to cook authentic Indian food but I also love simple, flavorful food that is healthy.&#160; Indian food <em>can</em> contain a lot of cream, ghee or clarified butter, and oil so the calories add up fast.&#160; Can Indian food be healthy?&#160; Yes it can!&#160; Indian chefs can do things with veggies that you wouldn’t believe and the cuisine is nutrient rich – perfect for all you skinny bitches out there. </p>  <p>I will recreate my favorite recipes while learning some new ones so you can enjoy Indian food without the guilt.</p>  <p></p>  <p><strong></strong></p>  <p><strong></strong>Baingan Bharta, or mashed eggplant is one of my favorite Indian meals.&#160; It’s low in calories, super-filling, and so very summery.&#160; Eggplant is cheap and plentiful right now and this is the perfect recipe for you to try.&#160; </p>  <p>For the recipe, look below the fold!</p> <!--more-->  <p></p>  <p><strong>Your will need the following ingredients:</strong></p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6490.jpg"><img title="IMG_6490" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="IMG_6490" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6490_thumb.jpg" width="500" border="0" /></a> </p>  <p>2 Eggplants.&#160; They should be purple, fat, and be firm to the touch with only a light give.&#160; Bruising and spotting are not ideal.&#160; Mine looked particularly sexy.</p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6575.jpg"><img title="IMG_6575" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="667" alt="IMG_6575" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6575_thumb.jpg" width="500" border="0" /></a> </p>  <p>2 cans diced tomatoes or 4 fresh tomatoes.</p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6272.jpg"><img title="IMG_6272" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="IMG_6272" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6272_thumb.jpg" width="500" border="0" /></a> </p>  <p>3 green Thai chilies.</p>  <p>1/4 to 1/2 piece of ginger.&#160; I prefer starting adding ginger a small piece at a time.&#160; Fresh ginger is preferable to powdered ginger.&#160; If you hate cutting it, buy the paste at Whole Foods.</p>  <p>A large handful of cilantro.</p>  <p>(Ignore the pictured onion – I snuck it in to balance the shot).</p>  <p>2 tbsp. of oil plus oil spray.</p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6536.jpg"><img title="IMG_6536" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="667" alt="IMG_6536" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6536_thumb.jpg" width="500" border="0" /></a> </p>  <p>A pinch of asafetida or hing.&#160; </p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6542.jpg"><img title="IMG_6542" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="IMG_6542" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6542_thumb.jpg" width="500" border="0" /></a> </p>  <p>2 tsp. of cumin seed.</p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6544.jpg"><img title="IMG_6544" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="IMG_6544" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6544_thumb.jpg" width="500" border="0" /></a> </p>  <p>2 tsp. of coriander.</p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6543.jpg"><img title="IMG_6543" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="IMG_6543" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6543_thumb.jpg" width="500" border="0" /></a> </p>  <p>1 tsp. of turmeric.</p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6541.jpg"><img title="IMG_6541" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="IMG_6541" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6541_thumb.jpg" width="500" border="0" /></a> </p>  <p>1 tsp. of red chili.&#160; </p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6539.jpg"><img title="IMG_6539" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="IMG_6539" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6539_thumb.jpg" width="500" border="0" /></a> </p>  <p>Salt to taste.&#160; </p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6540.jpg"><img title="IMG_6540" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="IMG_6540" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6540_thumb.jpg" width="500" border="0" /></a> </p>  <p>1/2 tsp of garam masala.</p>  <p>Secret Ingredient:&#160; A packet of sugar.</p>  <p><strong>Indian Princess Method</strong></p>  <p><strong><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6547.jpg"><img title="IMG_6547" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="IMG_6547" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6547_thumb.jpg" width="500" border="0" /></a></strong></p>  <p>1)&#160; Prepare the eggplant.&#160; You can wrap it in glad and place it in the microwave.&#160; I prefer preparing it in the oven because the flavor is out of this world when it is slow roasted in the oven.&#160; So pre-heat your oven to 400 degrees and line a cookie sheet with foil.&#160; Spray with cooking spray.&#160; </p>  <p>Cut the ends of your eggplant and cut it in half.&#160; Score your eggplant gently on top with three quick strokes – scoring doesn’t mean driving the knife in, just cracking the skin.</p>  <p>3)&#160; Place on foil and spray skin with cooking spray.&#160; Bake for 45 minutes.&#160; Set a timer for 15 minute increments and turn the tray.&#160; This might not be necessary if your oven is less finicky.&#160;&#160; </p>  <p>4)&#160; When the eggplant is done, let cool while preparing the sauce.&#160; It should have acquired a lovely reddish brown color.&#160; After it is cool, remove the eggplant from the skin and break apart with a fork.&#160; Set aside.</p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6528.jpg"><img title="IMG_6528" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="IMG_6528" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6528_thumb.jpg" width="500" border="0" /></a> </p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_65311.jpg"><img title="IMG_6531-1" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="667" alt="IMG_6531-1" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_65311_thumb.jpg" width="500" border="0" /></a> </p>  <p>5)&#160; To prepare the sauce, cut your ginger into fine strips and dice the tomatoes and chilies – blend everything.&#160; If you have no machine for blending prep, you can just cut everything finely and blend with your hands or a masher.&#160; I like to blend only half the tomatoes because I like a little texture to the dish.&#160; Set this aside.</p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6554.jpg"><img title="IMG_6554" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="667" alt="IMG_6554" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6554_thumb.jpg" width="500" border="0" /></a> </p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6555.jpg"><img title="IMG_6555" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="IMG_6555" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6555_thumb.jpg" width="500" border="0" /></a> </p>  <p>6)&#160; Heat oil in a pan.&#160; I suggest avoiding fragrant oils like olive because it isn’t complimentary to Indian cooking – use plain oils like canola, safflower or peanut if you prefer.&#160; </p>  <p>Next, drop in a cumin seed and if it floats to the top surrounding my bubbles, the oil is ready.&#160; Add two pinches of asafetida (hing) and the cumin seed and lightly sauté.&#160; </p>  <p><em>Hing is a necessary spice and is available from many places including Amazon or from my favorite spice shop, </em><a href="http://www.thespicehouse.com/spices/asafoetida-powder"><em>Spice World.</em></a><em>&#160; If you don’t have any, leave it out.&#160; Several recipes will suggest using onion and garlic in its place but some will argue that it is not authentic, which is partially true.&#160; Onion is not a commonly used ingredient in many Indian recipes and onion and garlic are pungent overpowering flavors.&#160; I care more about flavor and those ingredients can strike a completely different note not suitable for Indian cooking.&#160; </em></p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6563.jpg"><img title="IMG_6563" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="IMG_6563" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6563_thumb.jpg" width="500" border="0" /></a> </p>  <p>7)&#160; In a few minutes, you will hear popping sounds indicating the cumin is heated through.&#160; Add the tomato, ginger and chillies mixture.&#160; Heat for a minute and add your coriander powder, turmeric, and red chili powder.&#160;&#160; Salt to taste.</p>  <p><em>If you want to reduce the heat, leave out the red chili powder.</em></p>  <p><em><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6568.jpg"><img title="IMG_6568" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="IMG_6568" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6568_thumb.jpg" width="500" border="0" /></a>&#160;&#160; </em>&#160;</p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6572.jpg"><img title="IMG_6572" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="IMG_6572" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6572_thumb.jpg" width="500" border="0" /></a> </p>  <p>8)&#160; Add eggplant and garam masala, gently stirring and breaking up any long pieces.&#160; Add my secret ingredient:&#160; a tsp. or two of plain white sugar.&#160; I’ve tested this in several recipes and it is a great way to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.&#160; Please do not use artificial sweeteners or honey or agave – again, those ingredients have flavors that will overpower and in the case of Splenda, ruin the dish.&#160; Cook for 7-10 minutes.&#160; </p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6587.jpg"><img title="IMG_6587" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="IMG_6587" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6587_thumb.jpg" width="500" border="0" /></a> </p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6589.jpg"><img title="IMG_6589" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="690" alt="IMG_6589" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6589_thumb.jpg" width="500" border="0" /></a> </p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6585.jpg"><img title="IMG_6585" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="IMG_6585" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_6585_thumb.jpg" width="500" border="0" /></a> </p>  <p>9)&#160; Heat your naan and serve your eggplant with cilantro sprinkled on top.&#160; </p>  <p>I used eggplants that were about 500 grams each and a one cup serving of this recipe came out to 120 calories making it a perfect weeknight dinner.&#160;&#160;&#160; The Boy took a big bite of his naan before I could snap another picture!</p>  <p>Quick tip from my mom:&#160; If your pre-packaged naan ever goes stale, just bring a pot of water to boil and place a cookie rack on top of it.&#160; Place the naan on the cookie rack and steam the naan back to life!&#160; </p>  <p>Happy Cooking!</p>