Baingan Bharta Recipe
Baingan Bharta Recipe: As a housewife and food critic, I have always been fascinated with the diverse flavors and spices of Indian cuisine. One dish that has always held a special place in my heart is Baingan Bharta. This smoky and flavorful eggplant dish is not only delicious but also versatile, making it a staple in many Indian households.
What is Baingan Bharta?
Baingan Bharta is a traditional Indian dish that is made by roasting an eggplant and then mashing it into a smooth mixture with spices and herbs. The eggplant is usually roasted over an open flame or a gas stove until it is soft and the skin is charred, giving it a smoky flavor. This dish is then seasoned with a mix of spices and herbs, including cumin, coriander, and garam masala, to create a rich and fragrant dish.
Variations of Baingan Bharta
Punjabi Baingan Bharta: This variation of Baingan Bharta is a classic dish from the Punjabi region. It is characterized by its use of fresh tomatoes and ginger, giving it a tangy and slightly spicy flavor.
Maharashtrian Baingan Bharta: This variation of Baingan Bharta is made with a unique blend of spices that are commonly found in Maharashtrian cuisine. It is typically served with a side of hot, fluffy rice and a dollop of ghee.
Kadhai Baingan Bharta: This variation of Baingan Bharta is made by cooking the eggplant in a kadhai, a traditional Indian cooking pot. This method of cooking gives the dish a rich, smoky flavor and a slightly crunchy texture.
South Indian Baingan Bharta: This variation of Baingan Bharta is made with a mix of spices and herbs that are commonly found in South Indian cuisine. It is typically served with a side of steaming hot rice and a bowl of sambar.
Nutrition – Baingan Bharta
Baingan Bharta is not only delicious but also nutritious. Eggplants are rich in fiber and vitamins, including Vitamin B and C, making them an excellent addition to any meal. Additionally, the spices used in this dish have been shown to have numerous health benefits, including aiding in digestion and reducing inflammation.
Step by Step Baingan Bharta Recipe
Baingan Bharta Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 Eggplant / brinjal / baingan
- 1 Onions
- 2 Tomato
- 1 pc ginger
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 green chillies
- ¼ tsp Red Chilli Powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp coriander powder
- 2 tbsp oil
- coriander leaves / cilantro
Instructions
Preparation
- Assemble all ingredients together to avoid last minute rush.
- Wash and finely chop onion, tomatoes, green chillies, ginger, garlic and coriander leaves.
- Wash the eggplants and pat dry them with kitchen towel. Roast the eggplants on medium to high flame. Secure the eggplant between tongs and keep on turning it after 2 to 3 minutes on the flame, so that it is evenly cooked. You can also grill the eggplants in the oven.
- After roasting, cut sides gently and check for worms or any black spots. Discard the eggplant if you see any worms in it. If the eggplant looks clean and without worms, then proceed further.
- To maintain the smoky flavor of roasted eggplants, I recommend do not wash them after roasting. Let them get cool for themselves. Once cooled, remove the skin.
- Transfer the roasted eggplant to a bowl and mash using a fork or potato masher. Set it aside.
Cooking
- For making Baingan Bharta Recipe, in a Kadai / Wok or Fying Pan, heat oil. Then add finely chopped garlic, ginger and onions.
- Sauté them until the onions turn soft and translucent. Don't brown them.
- Add chopped green chillies and chopped tomatoes. Mix well.
- Sauté the tomatoes stirring often, till the oil starts separating from the mixture. The tomatoes should become pulpy, soft and oil should release from the masala mixture.
- Now add salt, coriander powder and red chili powder. Stir and mix again.
- Add the mashed eggplants. Mix thoroughly.
- Saute for some 4 to 5 minutes on low to medium heat.
- Finally garnish with coriander leaves.
- Your Baingan Bharta is ready to serve. You can enjoy it with roti, paratha, steamed or jeera rice.
- You can also keep this Baingan Bharta as a side dish with your other main dish.
Equipment Used for This Recipe
Notes & Tips
- Eggplant : Use the purple-colored large variety of eggplant having fewer seeds. When you hold the eggplant it should feel light. This is a sign that it has fewer seeds.
- Spiciness: To get the bright orangish-red color, it is best to use Kashmiri red chilli powder or deghi mirch.
- Oil: You can use any neutral tasting oil. Some options are sunflower oil, canola oil or olive oil. In India, it is cooked with mustard oil.
- Tomatoes: You can use readymade tomato puree also in case you are out of tomatoes or not available at your place.
- Ginger Garlic Paste: You can use ginger garlic paste in case fresh ginger and garlic are not available at your place. However, I recommend to use fresh ginger and garlic for better taste and aroma.
- Ingredients & Equipments: Find these Ingredients & Equipments at Indian specialty food stores / Grocery Stores or Online Stores. For review of some stores, please refer to the Grocery Review Section on our Website.
Nutrition Information (Note: Approximate)
FAQs – Baingan Bharta Recipe
What is Baingan Bharta?
Baingan Bharta is a traditional Indian dish made from roasted eggplant that is mashed and then cooked with spices, tomatoes, and onions. It is a popular vegetarian dish, known for its rich, smoky flavor and tender texture. The dish originated in the Punjabi cuisine and is now widely enjoyed throughout India and other parts of the world.
How to make Baingan Bharta?
The process of making Baingan Bharta involves roasting the eggplant over an open flame until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft. Once the eggplant is roasted, it is mashed and then sauteed with spices, onions, and tomatoes. Some recipes also include ginger, garlic, and other aromatic ingredients. The dish is usually served with roti, naan, or rice.
What ingredients do I need to make Baingan Bharta?
To make Baingan Bharta, you will need eggplant, onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, cumin seeds, coriander powder, garam masala, chili powder, and a selection of other spices, such as turmeric and cumin. You will also need oil or ghee for cooking, as well as fresh herbs like cilantro for garnish.
Can Baingan Bharta be made in a pressure cooker?
Yes, Baingan Bharta can be made in a pressure cooker, which speeds up the cooking time and makes it easier to prepare. Simply roast the eggplant, mash it, and then add the other ingredients to the pressure cooker. Cook on high pressure for a few minutes, and then let the pressure release naturally.
Is Baingan Bharta healthy?
Baingan Bharta is a healthy dish, as eggplant is low in calories and high in fiber and vitamins. The dish is also rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, making it a nutritious choice for a vegetarian meal. However, the dish can also be high in fat and calories, depending on the amount of oil or ghee used in cooking.
What are the key flavors in Baingan Bharta?
The key flavors in Baingan Bharta include smoky, spicy, and tangy. The smoky flavor comes from roasting the eggplant over an open flame, while the spices and herbs add warmth and depth to the dish. The tangy flavor comes from the tomatoes, which also provide a fresh, juicy texture to the dish.
How does Baingan Bharta compare to other eggplant dishes?
Baingan Bharta has a unique flavor profile compared to other eggplant dishes, due to the combination of spices and the smoky flavor from roasting. It is also a more substantial dish, as the mashed eggplant is cooked with spices, vegetables, and sometimes even dairy, making it a hearty and filling meal. Other eggplant dishes, like Baba Ghanoush, may be creamier and lighter, with a more mild flavor.
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