Vangi bhat

Ingredients
•Rice....................................2 C
•Water.................................4 C
•Chana dal...........................2 Tbsp
•Urad dal.............................2 Tsp
•Dried red chilies.................3
•Coriander seeds..................2 Tsp
•Cinnamon stick....................1.5-inch
•Desiccated coconut.................... 2 ½ Tbsp
•Oil.............................................. ½ C
•Yellow asafetida powder............1 Tsp
•Turmeric powder........................ ½ Tsp
•Eggplant cut into 2 cm cubes...... 700 g
•Salt............................................. 2 Tsp
Preparation
1) Combine rice and water in a saucepan, bring it to a boil, then immediately
reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight fitting lid, without stirring, cook it over
low flame until rice is tender. Remove from heat.
2) Heat a pan over moderate heat, Drop the dals, chilies, coriander, cinnamon
and dry roast them until fragrant. Add the coconut towards the end, and stir until
golden brown. Remove the spices, cool a bit and grind to a powder. Keep aside.
3) Heat oil in the same pan over moderate heat, add asafetida, turmeric and
quickly add the eggplant. Stirring often, cook uncovered until the eggplants are
tender and absorb the oil, about 15- 20 minutes. If needed, more oil can be
added if you like the eggplant to be crisp.
4) Add the spice powder, salt and cook for 5 more minutes. Fold the rice gently
and combine well. Serve hot with a yogurt salad (raita).
Serves
5-6