Baingan Ka Bharta: Baingan Bharta, a mouthwatering Indian vegetable dish, is a staple in rural Indian cuisine. Even those who normally dislike eggplant may find this flavorful roasted eggplant curry irresistible. In this easy Brinjal Bharta recipe, the eggplant is first roasted to perfection and then simmered with tomatoes, onions, and an array of spices.
Ingredients:
Baingan Ka Bharta
- 1 large eggplant
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (1/3 cup)
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 tbsp finely chopped green onions (optional)
- 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped (1 cup)
- 1/8 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp finely chopped cilantro
Method
for Baingan Ka Bharta
To choose good brinjals with fewer seeds, buy brinjals that are big in appearance but a little light in weight. Don’t choose too hard or too soft.
step-1
- Wash the brinjals and make 2-3 cuts on each side with a knife. Apply oil to the surface of the brinjal by hand or using a brush. Place it directly on the gas and let it cook on medium flame.
step-2
- When the peel turns black and starts shrinking, turn it to the other side. Similarly, rotate and fry the brinjal evenly. When the whole brinjal starts shrinking and becomes soft, remove it from the gas.
step-3
- Let it cool for 5-10 minutes. When it cools down, remove the peel.
step-4
- Cut the roasted brinjal into small pieces with a knife or mash it with a spatula.
step-5
- Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a pan on medium flame. Add chopped onion to it and fry it until it turns light brown. Add ginger-garlic paste, green onion and chopped green chilli. Fry them for a minute.
step-6
- Add chopped tomatoes and fry until tomatoes become soft. Add turmeric powder and red chilli powder and mix well.
step-7
- Add chopped brinjal and salt. Mix well and let it cook for 5-6 minutes.
step-8
- Turn off the gas and garnish with green coriander. Baingan Bharta is ready to serve.
Tips and Variations:
- Don’t worry if green onion is not available, bharta tastes delicious even without it.
- You can add boiled peas in it.
- For variety, you can also add cumin and asafoetida in the tempering.
Taste: Spicy
Serving Ideas: Serve it with chapatti or paratha or naan. It can also be served with millet roti, curd, buttermilk, onion and jaggery as a Gujarati meal.
Conclusion:
In summary, Baingan Ka Bharta allows flexibility in ingredients while delivering rich flavor. Roast the brinjal, peel, and simmer with spices for a tasty Indian dish. Adjust seasonings to taste and enjoy with fresh bread.
FAQs
About Baingan Ka Bharta
What are some oven roasting options for the brinjal?
You can roast the brinjal in the oven instead of on the stovetop. Simply preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F), lightly oil the brinjal, and place on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-40 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the skin is charred and the brinjal is soft.
What ingredients can I use in place of green onions?
If you don’t have green onions on hand, you can either omit them from the recipe or swap in regular onions instead. The dish will still have plenty of flavor without the green onions.
Should I peel the brinjal after roasting?
Yes, it’s best to remove the charred skin after roasting, as it can give the dish a bitter taste. Peeling the brinjal helps enhance the texture and flavor.
How can I adjust the spice level?
Feel free to customize the spice level to your personal taste. Use less green chillies and red chilli powder if you prefer it more mild, or add more for extra heat.
How long does it take to make Baingan Ka Bharta recipe?
The total cooking time is about 20-25 minutes. This includes roasting the brinjal as well as simmering everything together. Cooking times can vary, so check doneness before serving.
