Eggplant/Brinjal and Apple stir fry

Serves 3
This is an an authentic Kashmiri recipe that I found in a travel book .I have never come across this combination before and was reluctant to try it out initially.As a south Indian ,I can only pair up eggplants or brinjal with Drumstick,they are like made for each other and taste great.But this combination was really delightful,the whole dish as such uses very little spices and still tastes yum.This makes a great side dish for rice with any spicy gravy or rotis. You could even find yourself munching it like a snack !

You'll need:
 Brinjal - 3 big
or Eggplant - 1/2 a big one
Apple - 1 big
Fennel powder - 1/4 tsp
Red chilli powder or paprika - 1/4 tsp
Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
Salt - 3/4 tsp
Hing/asafetida -  a pinch
Mustard oil or sesame oil - 3-4 tbsp

Method:
-Cut each brinjal lengthwise into 8 pieces.Core the apples and cut each lengthwise into 8 pieces.
-Mix the fennel powder,salt,red chilli powder and turmeric powder with 1 tbsp of water to make a smooth paste.
-In a large frying pan add the oil and when it heats up add the hing.Place the apple pieces such that they don't overlap each other and are lying in a single layer.Cook them on a medium flame until they turn slightly brown at the edges on both the sides,about 5 minutes on one side and turn them over and cook for another  5 -6 minutes.Remove them from the oil and set aside in a plate.
-Add the sliced brinjal to the same pan,placing them all in a single layer and cooking them on both sides just like the apple.

-Once the brinjal looks brown on both the sides add the fried apples to the pan and the spice paste and mix very gently .
-Cook the mixture on a low heat for 10 - 15 minutes,turning the pieces over gently so that they don't break.

Note:
-Use hard & tart apples for this dish.

Sending this to Healthy Stir fries Event

Sending this to 'Only Traditional Recipes' Guest hosted at 'Jiya's Delicacies' and  Pari's space...