1large Bainganeggplant, sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds
2Onionssliced into rounds
1cupCurdor Yogurt
½cupCoconut milk
¼teaspoonSalt
½teaspoonSugar
2-3tablespoonsCoconut oil
Marinade:
3tablespoonsKashmiri Chilli Powder
½teaspoonTurmeric powder
1teaspoonSalt
½teaspoonJeera or Cumin powder
3-4TablespoonsVinegaras needed to make a thick paste
Instructions
In a small bowl, prepare the marinade by mixing Kashmiri Chilli Powder, turmeric powder, salt, and jeera powder. Add vinegar gradually, stirring well, until you achieve a thick paste consistency.
Rub the marinade all over the baingan slices, ensuring they are evenly coated. Set aside and let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes.
Heat coconut oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the marinated baingan slices in batches until they soften slightly and the marinade cooks a bit. Do this in batches to avoid crowding the pan. Add more coconut oil to the pan, if needed. Remove the baingan from the pan and set aside.
In a separate bowl, whisk together curd, coconut milk, salt, and sugar until well combined.
To add a smoky flavor to the curd mixture, you can use a smoking technique. Place a piece of smoldering charcoal in a small heat-resistant bowl or foil. Drizzle a few drops of oil on the charcoal and quickly cover the bowl with the curd mixture. Allow it to smoke for a few minutes to infuse the flavor. Then remove the charcoal.
Refrigerate the smoked curd mixture for about 30 minutes to chill and let the flavors meld together.
To assemble the salad, arrange the fried baingan slices on a serving platter. Top them with the sliced onion rings. Pour the chilled smoked curd mixture over the baingan and onions, evenly covering the layers. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve.
Video
Notes
Smoking the Curd:To smoke the curd, place a piece of smoldering charcoal in a small heat-resistant bowl or foil. Drizzle a few drops of oil on the charcoal and then place the small bowl inside the larger bowl with the curd. Cover with a lid immediately and allow it to smoke for a few minutes to infuse the flavor. Then remove the charcoal and discard i