There are endless benefits of this purple vegetable called Eggplant (in US ) or Brinjal( in India).We also call it "baigan" which means without any value but in contrast it is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, and is an important food for the brain. Eggplant also contains important Phytonutrients, many which have antioxidant activity.It is low on calories and helps you to feel full.
Research on eggplant has focused on an "anthocyanin phytonutrient" found in eggplant skin called nasunin. Nasunin is a potent antioxidant that has been shown to protect cell membranes from damage.
Most of the nutrients in eggplant or Brinjal reside in its skin which we tend to throw when we make Baingan ka bharta.Fried Brinjals is very popular among the Indians which is also not very good for health as the vegetable loses its value if it is deep fried and it absorbs a lot of oil.But in any case it is very tasty and healthy too for adults as well as kids.
So today I have a recipe which is vegetarian and extremely tasty .
INGREDIENTS
1. PASTA ( 400 GMS)
2. EGGPLANT OR BRINJAL (150 GMS)
3. GARLIC( 9 TO 10 CLOVES)
4. FRESH BASIL LEAVES (4 TO 5)
5. PARSLEY (1 BUNCH)
6. FRESH CREAM 1/2 CUP
7. CHEESE (GRATED 1/2 CUP)
8. BUTTER (1 TBSP)
9. OLIVE OIL (1 TBSP)
10.GREEN CHILIES(3 TO 4)
11. FRESH THYME OR AJWAIN (1/2 TSP)
BOILING PASTA
1. ADD PASTA IN BOILING WATER.
2. COOK IT FOR FIVE TO SEVEN MINUTES
3. DON'T LET IT GET OVERCOOKED,IT SHOULD JUST BE TENDER
4.STRAIN IT WITH A STRAINER
PREPARING THE SAUCE
1. CHOP THE EGGPLANT OR BRINJAL INTO MEDIUM SIZED PIECES.
2. BOIL IT IN WATER WITH A LITTLE SALT TILL IT GETS TENDER.
3. ADD LITTLE BUTTER IN WOK AND ADD ALL THE INGREDIENTS EXCEPT CREAM AND CHEESE.
4. SAUTE FOR 5 MINUTES.
5. TAKE IT OFF FROM HEAT ALLOW TO COOL AND GRIND FINELY IN THE MIXTURE GRINDER.
COOKING PASTA WITH SAUCE
1. ADD OIL IN THE KADAI OR WOK.
2. ADD THE SAUCE
3. ADD FRESH CREAM AND GRATED CHEESE
4. IF THE MIXTURE IS TOO THICK ADD SOME MILK.
5. TASTE THE SALT CONTENT.
6. ADD THE COOKED PASTA.
7. LET IT GET INTEGRATED ON LOW FLAME FOR FIVE MINUTES.
8. SERVE WITH GRATED CHEESE AND FRESH PARSELEY.
8. YOU CAN ADD CHILI FLAKES IF YOU LIKE FOR COLOUR(THE SAUCE WILL BE ALREADY SPICY)
ENJOY !!
