Baingan Bharta: Indian Eggplant and Rice

Name: Baingan Bharta: Indian Eggplant and Rice
Ingredients: 1 cup basmati rice, dry; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided; 2 pounds eggplant, sliced in half lengthwise; ½ yellow onion, chopped; 4 garlic cloves, chopped; 1 teaspoon ginger, minced; 3 dried red chilis or 1 fresh red chili, chopped (optional, for more heat); 2 tomatoes, chopped; ¼ teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon ground coriander; ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon garam masala; 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped