Smoky And Spiced Eggplant Mash

Ingredients

• 4 long eggplants (the asian kind, chinese or japanese – medium sized)
• 2.5 tablespoon oil, divided
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 3/4 cup diced onions (do not chop them too small – about 1/4 inch squares are good)
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• 3-5 hot chili peppers (remove membrane and seeds if you do not like it spicy – the peppers are vital for flavor)
• 3/4 cup chopped or grated fresh tomatoes – adjust amount to taste. the more tomato you use, the bharta will be a bit tart and reddish in color
• 1/2 tablespoon julienned fresh ginger
• salt to taste
• 3/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder/cayenne/paprika
• 1/2 cup shelled/frozen peas (optional)
• a lot of fresh cilantro/coriander leaves, chopped