Bharva Baingan Masala Recipe – Stuffed Brinjal Masala
A delectable and aromatic dish, Bharva Baingan Masala, features roasted brinjals stuffed with a rich peanut, sesame, and spice mixture, simmered in a tangy tomato gravy. This North Indian specialty is perfect for lunch and pairs beautifully with flatbreads like phulka or tawa parathas, making it a complete and satisfying meal. The dish is also ideal for packing in office lunchboxes.
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients for Stuffing
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Small Brinjal (Baingan) | 10 pieces |
| Roasted Peanuts (Moongphali) | 1/4 cup |
| Sesame seeds (Til seeds) | 1/4 cup |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 tsp |
| Red Chilli powder | 1/4 tsp |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 tsp |
| Amchur (Dry Mango Powder) | 1 tsp |
| Gram flour (Besan) | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | To taste |
Ingredients for Gravy
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Homemade tomato puree | 1-1/2 cups |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 tsp |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 6 cloves |
| Ginger (finely chopped) | 1-inch piece |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 tsp |
| Coriander powder (Dhania) | 1/2 tsp |
| Red Chilli powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Garam masala powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Jaggery | 1 tbsp |
| Coriander leaves (chopped) | 4 sprigs |
| Mustard oil | 1 tbsp |
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Stuffing:
Start by combining roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, asafoetida (hing), amchur (dry mango powder), gram flour (besan), and salt in a mini food processor. Blend the ingredients into a smooth paste. You can add a little water or oil as needed to get the right consistency. Set this stuffing mixture aside. -
-
Prepare the Brinjals:
Wash the small brinjals (eggplants) thoroughly. Slit each brinjal halfway through, ensuring they stay intact as a whole. The slits should be just large enough to hold the stuffing. Stuff each brinjal generously with the prepared filling mixture. -
Cooking the Gravy:
Heat mustard oil in a pressure cooker over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, chopped onions, ginger, and garlic. Sauté them until the onions become soft and translucent. -
Making the Tomato Gravy:
Once the onions soften, add homemade tomato puree, turmeric powder, coriander powder, salt, garam masala powder, red chilli powder, and jaggery. Stir the mixture and let it cook for 2–3 minutes. -
Cooking the Stuffed Brinjals:
Add about 1/4 cup of water to the gravy and gently place the stuffed brinjals into the cooker. Cover and cook for 3 whistles. After the cooking time, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. -
Final Touch:
Once the pressure has released, open the pressure cooker and gently toss in freshly chopped coriander leaves. Stir everything together to coat the stuffed brinjals with the flavorful gravy. -
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Bharva Baingan Masala hot with dal makhani, ghee rice, and phulka for a hearty meal. You can also pack this dish in an office lunchbox along with tawa parathas. To finish, enjoy a delightful dessert like besan halwa for a sweet ending to your meal.
Cooking Tips:
- Adjust the level of spices based on your taste preference. If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of red chilli powder or use a mild variety.
- You can substitute mustard oil with vegetable oil if you prefer a milder flavor.
- This dish can also be served with steamed basmati rice for an authentic North Indian experience.
