Eggplant Latkes, Curried

Ingredients

• 2 medium Italian eggplants
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 peppercorns
• 1/2 stick cinnamon
• 1 tsp. cumin seeds
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• 1 1" piece fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
• 1 tsp. turmeric
• 2 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp. ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
• 6 eggs
• Salt, to taste
• Half a challah (about 1/2 pound), made into bread crumbs
• Extra olive oil (for frying)