2 lb Small (Italian style) -eggplants 4 c Oil or ghee for frying 2 tb Oil or ghee 6 Cloves 6 Whole cardamon pods, crushed 1 Piece (2 inch) cinnamon, -crushed 1 ts Turmeric 1 ts Cayenne powder 1 c Yogurt 1 ts Salt or to taste Cut each eggplant lengthwise into 4 equal pieces. Heat oil or ghee in a pan and fry eggplant pieces until brown and tender. Drain on paper towels. In another pan, heat the 2 Tblsp. oil or ghee. Add cloves, cardamon, cinnamon. Fry for 1/2 minute. Add turmeric, cayenne, yogurt and salt. Reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Add fried eggplants, spooning yogurt mixture over eggplant. Remove from heat. Serve either hot or at room temperature with rice or Indian bread, (Naan, Roti, etc) or as a side dish. From: _Sampling the cuisine of India_ by Sambhu Banik