Baingan Bhaja - Fried Eggplant

Eggplant or Baingan as we call it is a common vegetable across all cuisines in India. Baingan Bhaja is quite a common dish in Bengal and Orissa. My Dad loves this dish so it was made frequently in our house.

1 medium sized eggplant
1 tsp red chilli powder
3/4 tsp salt
Cooking spray
(Eggplant will soak up as much oil as you put in the pan. So I use cooking spray)

Wash and pat dry the eggplant. Cut into 1" thick discs. Fill a large bowl with cold water and soak the eggplant discs in it for about 15 minutes. (This will remove the bitter juices). Drain water and pat dry the pieces with a paper towel.
Mix the salt and red chilli powder in a small bowl. Heat a Tawa (Griddle)or a flat bottomed pan on medium heat. Spray some cooking spray. Take a little bit of the chilli-salt mixture and sprinkle on one side of the eggplant. Put that side face down on the pan. Cook till it browns. Spray a little cooking spray and sprinkle the salt-chilli mixture on the other side. Change sides and cook till the side is brown. Serve hot and enjoy !