Baghare Baingan

Name: Baghare Baingan
Ingredients: 9 ounces (250 grams) small purple eggplants; ¼ cup (50 ml) plus 1 quart (800 ml) vegetable oil; 2 medium red onions, sliced; 1½ tablespoons sesame seeds; 2 tablespoons peanuts; ¾ teaspoon white poppy seeds; 1 tablespoon dried grated coconut; ½ teaspoon black mustard seeds; ¼ teaspoon cumin seeds; ¼ teaspoon fennel seeds; ¼ teaspoon kalonji (nigella, see Notes); Pinch of fenugreek seeds; 10 to 12 fresh curry leaves; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger paste; 1 tablespoon fresh garlic paste; 1 tablespoon fresh green chile paste; ½ teaspoon ground turmeric; 1½ teaspoons ground coriander; ½ teaspoon ground roasted cumin; ½ teaspoon red chile powder; ¾ teaspoon table salt; 2 tablespoons tamarind pulp; ½ teaspoon grated cane jaggery