The current lockdown has transformed many a home cook into self-styled chefs, each of whom are experimenting with new recipes, sharing them with friends on social media and gaining a unique sense of satisfaction. 

Do you want to join this Food Bandwagaon? Send in your own recipes that can be churned out with limited ingredients. The best ones will be published here every Thursday. (Email: [email protected])

 

Today’s recipe: Stuffed Brinjals)

(Sent by: Meena Mathur )

Ingredients

 

4-6 medium sized brinjals

200gm mince (lamb/beef)

1 onion – minced

2 green chillies – minced

1tsp minced garlic

1tsp minced ginger

1tsp red chilli powder

½tsp turmeric powder

1tsp garam masala

2tsp tomato paste

3-4tbsp oil

Juice of half lemon

Salt, to taste

 

Method

Boil the mince with a little salt and set aside. Cut the brinjal lengthwise, from the bottom towards the stalk, without cutting through fully. Scoop out a portion of the flesh from each side with a sharp spoon. Now in a wok, heat two tbsp oil, add the onion, followed by minced ginger, garlic, green chilli, all the spice powders, tomato paste, and salt, and fry for a minute or two. Then mince the portions scooped out from the brinjals and add to this. Mix well and fry for 2-3 minutes. Now, add the boiled mince, mix well and cook covered for 4- 5 minutes on medium flame. Stuff this warm mince mixture generously into the cavities of the brinjals. Now heat 1tbsp of oil in a large wok or pan, place all the stuffed brinjals in it, toss to coat with oil and cook on medium flame, turning them on all sides in between, to cook evenly. When well done, squeeze a little lemon juice over the stuffed brinjals and serve warm as a side dish. (For a  vegetarian version, replace the mince with crumbled paneer)