Spicy Indian Eggplant Spread - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 eggplants, cubed
5 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
1 large onion, chopped
3 large garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
1 tablespoon garam masala
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (to taste)
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can petite diced tomatoes
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
salt, to taste

Preparation

Toss eggplant with 3 tablespoons vegetable oil and spread on a long baking sheet prepared with nonstick cooking spray.
Place on bottom rack of oven and turn oven onto 400\u00b0F Roast for 20 minutes, until golden brown.
Stir eggplant and roast for an additional 5 minutes.
Heat remaining oil in a skillet and add onion.
Saute until onion is golden, then stir in garlic and ginger for just a moment.
Add garam masala, cumin, and cayenne pepper (adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred heat level).
Once spices are fragrant, about another 30 seconds, add eggplant, tomatoes, and water to skillet.
Simmer for 10 minutes, partially covered, before removing from heat.
Stir in cilantro and salt, if desired.
Optional: Run spread through food processor or blender if you prefer it to have a smoother consistency.