Masala Vangi (Eggplant Slices Smothered With Coconut-Spice Paste)

2 tablespoons yellow split peas
2 tablespoons coriander seeds
2 teaspoons cumin seeds
½ cup coconut flakes, sweetened or unsweetened
¼ to ½ teaspoon cayenne
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
3 tablespoons light sesame or peanut oil
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
4 medium-size cloves garlic, peeled and sliced thin
½ cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 medium-size eggplant (about 1 pound), stemmed, halved and cut lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick slices
2 teaspoons coarse salt, or to taste
Grated coconut for garnish (optional)
Lemon juice for garnish (optional)
Fresh chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)

Nutritional Information
- Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)
  201 calories; 14 grams fat; 4 grams saturated fat; 4 grams monounsaturated fat; 4 grams polyunsaturated fat; 16 grams carbohydrates; 7 grams dietary fiber; 5 grams sugars; 3 grams protein; 855 milligrams sodium

Four servings

Combine the peas, coriander and cumin in a spice mill or coffee grinder and grind to a fine powder. Transfer the pea-spice mixture to a small bowl and set aside.
Place the coconut, cayenne, thyme and 2/3 cup of water in the bowl of a blender or food processor and process to a fine puree. Transfer the coconut-spice mixture to a separate bowl and set aside.
Place a 10-inch microwave-proof covered shallow dish in a 650- to 700-watt microwave carousel oven, add the oil and heat at 100 percent power for 2 minutes. Uncover, add the mustard seeds and replace the lid. Cook at 100 percent power for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the seeds pop. Uncover, stir in the pea-spice mixture and the garlic and onion. Replace the lid and cook at 100 percent power for 4 minutes, or until onions are soft. Remove.
Add the coconut-spice mixture and lemon juice and mix thoroughly. Cook, uncovered, at 100 percent power for 3 minutes, or until the coconut-spice paste begins to thicken. Remove from the oven.
Add the eggplant and salt. Mix until the vegetables are evenly coated with the spice paste. Cover and cook at 100 percent power for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the eggplant is cooked soft but not mushy. Remove from the oven and let the dish stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Garnish with the coconut, lemon juice and coriander, if desired, and serve.

Masala vangi may be served warm or at room temperature as a side dish or a main course. To make a pilaf, you can toss it into cooked rice.

30 minutes