vanghi bhaath /eggplant rice

A traditional spicy eggplant  rice with a blend of spices infused to give a deep flavour and amazing aroma ,this rice is very simple and easy peasy to make ,most common in karnataka state of India, years back after my marraige when  i moved  from mumbai to bangalore,this dish was so very new and unique to me but now its one of the most common dishes i make regularly in my kitchen,i usually make when i feel lazy to cook.

ingredients :

2 cups rice

1-11/2 cup bite size eggplants / brinjals / baingan ( any variety can b used )

2-3 tbsp chopped capsicum

1 small onion chopped

2 tbsp vangi bhaath masala pwd ( i used ready store bought  )

1/2 tsp mustard seeds

1/2 tsp red chilli pwd  ( optional )

1/4 tsp garam masala ( optional,i always add though )

1/2 tsp turmeric pwd

2 tbsp oil

salt to taste

lemon juice to taste

corriander leaves to garnish

method :

Cook rice and keep it aside.Heat oil in a pan,splutter mustard seeds .fry onions till transluscent,add capsicum and eggplants,fry till both are tender enough.Add chilli pwd,salt,garam masala ,turmeric pwd and vanghi bhath masala pwd .Add cooked rice and mix well .Garnish with corriander leaves and squeeze in some lemon juice and serve hot with raita /yogurt.