Mike Wolfberg's Recipe for Bagara Bengan - Eggplant Curry)

Ingredients

• 1 c. + 2 tsp. water
• 2 oz. tamarind
• one firm, light purple medium eggplant (about 1 1/2 lb.)
• 2-3 TBL. corn or vegetable oil for broiling
• 1/4 tsp. ground hot red pepper
• 2 tsp. dried unsweetened shredded coconut
• 3/4 tsp. turmeric
• 2 tsp. sesame seeds
• 4 large onions (16-20 oz.)
• 2-3 fresh green chilies, such as jalapenos
• 3 TBL. ghee
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 TBL. ground coriander seeds
• 2 large cloves of garlic
• 1 TBL molasses (preferably Grandma's brand)
• 7 dried neem leaves
• 1 TBL. mustard or other oil
• 1 tsp. black mustard seeds