Grilled Eggplant Pâté with Mango Powder

Northerners hanker for smoky-flavored eggplant like this one for many a special-occasion meal. Back in India (and even in commercial north Indian restaurants around the globe), the eggplant is often dropped directly onto the hot coals of a tandoor (a clay oven) to char its skin. The grilled eggplant is then peeled, mashed with herbs and spices, and stir-fried with ghee to create sublime flavors.