The Best Eggplants Ever

Name: The Best Eggplants Ever
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons salt; 3 large eggplants (each about 1 pound and 2 ounces); Peanut or corn oil, for deep frying; 3 tablespoons peanut or corn oil; 2 whole hot dried red chiles; 1 teaspoon whole brown mustard seeds; 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 1 (28-ounce) can good-quality whole tomatoes, finely chopped, with the liquid; 10 fresh curry leaves, if available (use basil as an alternative with a different flavor); 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed or 12 ounces cooked and drained; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric; 10 tablespoons plain yogurt; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin seeds; 2 tablespoons thick tamarind paste; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1/4 teaspoon ground roasted cumin seeds; A little extra salt and freshly ground pepper, fresh mint or cilantro leaves, for garnishing