How to make ground beef & eggplant masala (sauté)

Cut your eggplant into 1/2 inch pieces..

..and sauté until done. You don't need to add any seasoning at this point. Set aside.

Heat about 2 Tbsp oil in a pot, and add the onions. Cook until lightly browned.

Add the garlic-ginger paste and spices, including the optional ones if using. I made my own garlic-ginger paste.

Sauté for a few seconds to fry the spices, making them more flavorful. Add in the tomatoes.

..and the puree.

Add about 1/2C water, cover and let cook until reduced.

Mix in ground beef and about 1/2C water. Cover and let cook until beef is done. Stir occasionally to make sure it's not sticking to the bottom.

When done, throw in the readied eggplant and cilantro.

You could just add the eggplant to the curry without cooking first, but I think that sautéing first brought out the flavor better.

Combine it all together. Sprinkle with leftover cilantro.

This was super yummy! Serve with steamed/boiled rice or chapati or naan :)