Pakistani-Style Mushrooms in Pita

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves crushed garlic, chopped
• 2 teaspoons ground cardamom
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 4 dried hot red chiles, crushed or jalapeno chiles, sliced
• 2 large onions, sliced
• 2 large tomatoes, sliced
• 1 small eggplant, peeled and thinly sliced,then cut crosswise to julienne
• 15-20 fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and caps sliced in half
• salt
• pita breads, lightly heated or lightly toasted white bread

Directions

1. 1

   Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it begins to smoke.

2. 2

   Add the garlic, cardamom, cumin, and chiles.

3. 3

   Stir vigorously for half a minute, then add the onions, tomatoes, eggplant, and the shiitake.

4. 4

   Stir over high heat, adding more oil if necessary.

5. 5

   Saute until the vegetables are well cooked, limp, and fragrant, about 10 minutes.

6. 6

   Salt to taste.

7. 7

   Stuff the pitas with the mixture and serve.

8. 8

   Remember, no forks except to fill the pita pockets.