Mutton Mince and Brinjal Bake
Description: This delightful Mutton Mince and Brinjal Bake, a winning recipe from the Thursday magazine (Dec 18-24, 2003), promises to bring the ultimate comfort of a one-dish meal to your table, combining rich flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh tomatoes | 1/2 cup |
| Green chilies | 2 |
| Onions | 4 |
| Cloves | 2 |
| Ground cinnamon | 1/4 tsp |
| Red chili powder | 1/4 tsp |
| Turmeric powder | 1/4 tsp |
| Oregano | 1/2 tsp |
| Mozzarella cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Tomato puree | 6 tbsp |
| Salt | to taste |
| Brinjal (eggplant) | 2 medium |
| Oil (for frying) | as needed |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 93.9 |
| Total Fat | 2.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 7.4 mg |
| Sodium | 73.6 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 15.5 g |
| Fiber | 3.2 g |
| Sugars | 8 g |
| Protein | 4.4 g |
Instructions
- Begin by slicing the brinjal into thin rounds and applying a pinch of salt, red chili powder, and turmeric powder to the slices; let them rest for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- In the meantime, heat oil in a large pot over high heat. Shallow fry the brinjal slices lightly until they are golden, then drain them on clean paper towels and set aside.
- In the same pot, toss in the green chilies and onions, stir-frying them on medium heat until they turn slightly browned and aromatic.
- Add the chopped fresh tomatoes to the mixture, cooking until they soften beautifully.
- Stir in the ginger-garlic paste, allowing it to fry for a minute, infusing the dish with a fragrant base.
- Next, incorporate the mutton mince, stirring continuously to ensure it cooks evenly and remains free of lumps.
- Sprinkle in the ground cinnamon, cloves, red chili powder, tomato puree, half of the oregano, and salt; mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Pour in about 2 cups of water, allowing the mixture to simmer until the mince is nearly dry, but be careful not to let it completely dry out.
- Grease a baking dish with a little oil, then layer the bottom with half of the fried brinjal slices.
- Spoon the cooked mutton mince over the brinjal layer, followed by another layer of the remaining fried brinjal slices.
- Generously cover the topmost layer with the grated mozzarella cheese and sprinkle the remaining oregano evenly over the cheese.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) for about 15 minutes, then cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the oven.
- Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the water has evaporated and the dish is bubbling with flavor.
- Remove the foil to allow the cheese to brown beautifully; keep an eye on it to achieve your desired level of golden perfection.
- Serve hot, savoring each bite of this hearty dish, which pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or crusty bread.
Enjoy this delectable Mutton Mince and Brinjal Bake, a dish that encapsulates warmth and satisfaction, perfect for any occasion!
