Safed Achari Baingan Recipe (White Pickled Eggplant)
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Description:
White Pickled Eggplant, or “Safed Achari Baingan,” is a delightful dish that brings a unique twist to traditional eggplant preparations. The recipe features light green brinjal (eggplants) cooked with a special blend of spices, tangy pickles, and aromatic ingredients. The combination of mustard, cumin, and fennel seeds, along with dried mango powder, creates a burst of flavors, making this dish an exciting addition to any meal. This easy-to-make, savory treat can be enjoyed alongside garlic daal and phulkas for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Brinjal (Eggplant) | 500 grams |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Cumin seeds | 1/2 tsp |
| Mustard seeds | 1/2 tsp |
| Fresh ginger | 1-inch piece, grated |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, grated |
| Turmeric powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Coriander powder | 1 tbsp |
| Red chili powder | 1 tsp |
| Dried mango powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Tomato | 1, chopped |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh coriander leaves | 1, finely chopped |
For the Pickle Masala:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Red chili powder | 1 tsp |
| Mustard seeds | 1 tsp |
| Cumin seeds | 1 tsp |
| Fennel seeds | 1 tsp |
| Nigella seeds | 1 tsp |
| Fenugreek seeds | 1/4 tsp |
| Dried red chilies | 4-5 dried chilies |
| Oil | As required for cooking |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Pickle Masala:
To start, prepare the pickle masala by heating a pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, nigella seeds, celery seeds, fenugreek seeds, and dried red chilies to the pan. Toast the spices for about 1 minute until they turn lightly brown and release a fragrant aroma. Once toasted, remove from heat and allow the spices to cool slightly. Then, transfer them to a mixer grinder and grind them into a fine powder. Set the masala aside for later use. -
Prepare the Brinjal:
Wash the brinjal thoroughly and cut a slit lengthwise in the middle of each piece. This helps the spices to infuse more deeply into the brinjal. Set aside. -
Cooking the Base:
In a large pan, heat some oil over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds, allowing them to splutter for about 15 seconds. Then, add the chopped onions and sauté them until they become soft and translucent. -
Add Ginger and Garlic:
Add the freshly grated ginger and garlic paste to the onions and cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld together. -
Add Spices:
Sprinkle in the turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and the prepared pickle masala. Stir everything well to combine the spices, then add the chopped tomato to the pan. Continue to cook the mixture until the tomatoes soften and blend into the masala. -
Cook the Brinjal:
Once the tomato has softened, add the slit brinjal pieces to the pan. Mix everything well, ensuring the brinjal is coated in the flavorful masala. Sprinkle some dried mango powder (amchur) for a tangy kick and mix it all together. -
Simmer and Cook:
Add a small amount of water to the pan to prevent the masala from sticking to the bottom. Cover the pan and cook the brinjal on low heat until it becomes tender and soft, about 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. -
Final Touches:
Once the brinjal is cooked through, check the seasoning and add salt to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a fresh, aromatic finish. -
Serve:
Serve your White Achari Baingan hot with garlic daal and phulkas for a delicious and satisfying dinner. The unique combination of spices and the tangy flavor of pickles makes this dish an exciting addition to any meal.
Notes:
- Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of red chili powder and dried red chilies.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or flatbreads like roti or naan for a complete meal.
- For a more intense pickle flavor, you can let the brinjal marinate in the masala for a few hours before cooking.
Enjoy the bold flavors of this Safed Achari Baingan that will surely become a family favorite!
