Quick Meal - Spicy Brinjal and Bean Rice

It is good to have a few one pot quick meals in your repertoire if you are pressed for time but would still like a good wholesome meal. Dinner times are tricky because there is numerous things to take care of in the evening and there is only so much time at your disposal. It does not have to be the same old meal all the time, fancy rice dishes are possible, steaming hot and ready when you get home exhausted. Hanging around the soccer field or the swimming pool for the various activities to end is not exactly fun when your mind is busy wondering what to whip up for dinner when you get home. The electric Rice Cooker is a life saver in these situtations. Do the sauteing ahead of time and when ready transfer the contents with rice and water over to the electric cooker. Quick fluffy hot meal is ready when you get back. I used Seeraga Samba rice and love the unique taste and texture. The rice was even more tastier the day after packed in my lunch box.

Spicy Brinjal Kidney Bean Rice
Ingredients

1. 5-6 Small Purple Brinjals
2. 3/4 Cup of soaked Kidney Beans (any bean will work)
3. 1 Cup Seeraga Samba Rice (Basmati Rice)
4. 1/2 Onion Sliced thin lengthwise
5. 1 tbsp tomato paste
6. 4-5 garlic cloves chopped fine
7. 1/2 tbsp grated ginger
8. few mint leaves and a fist full of coriander leaves (methi leaves if available)
9. seasonings - cumin, curry leaves and fennel seeds
10. 1 tbsp yougurt
11. 1 tbsp of spice powder of choice (Linda, sambhar powder could be used :)
12. oil + ghee as per requirement

Spice Powder
1. 3 Red Chilies
2. 2 tsp coriander seeds
3. 1 tsp cumin seeds
4. a few methi seeds
5. a few peppercorns
Dry roast the above and powder using a spice blender

Method
1. In a pan heat a bit of oil and bit of ghee and when hot add the seasonings - cumin, curry leaves and fennel seeds
2.add the onion and fry till translucent, add the garlic and ginger and fry a bit more
3. add the mint and coriander leaves and saute till the leaves wilt
4. add the cut brinjal and saute till it changes color slightly
5. add the soaked bean and mix
6. add the tomato paste and mix thoroughly, add the yogurt and the spiced powder, salt and mix it well

Switch off the heat and when ready add required amount of water and the rice, check for salt.
7. Transfer the contents over to Electric Cooker.

Now you are free to leave the house for a spin or to take care of other business. When you get back hot and aromatic brinjal bean rice is ready to be served with a Raita of choice.