EGGPLANT AND POTATO STEW WITH CUMIN

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• Cut several slits in the eggplant, stuff with sliced garlic.
• Bake the eggplant and potatoes on cookie sheet until eggplant is shriveled and potatoes are done, about an hour.
• When vegetables cool enough to handle, peel the eggplant and chop the flesh into large pieces.
• Cut potatoes, with skins, into 1/2 inch chunks.
• Roast cumin seeds in dry skillet until you can smell them, about 10 seconds. Grind half into a powder and set aside whole for garnish.
• In large heavy pan, heat the oil with the bay leaf. When it is hot, add the onion, ground cumin, and ginger.
• Cook, stirring frequently, until onions are lightly colored, 12 to 15 minutes. Add the eggplant, potato, tomato and the liquid and gently combine with the onions.
• Season with salt.
• Cook over medium heat until the whole stew is thoroughly warmed and cooked.
• Stir in the yogurt and chopped cilantro, leaving marbled streaks throughout, and garnish with the whole cumin seeds and the cilantro leaves.