Dum Ke Baingan Recipe: A Hyderabadi Delight
Description
Dum Ke Baingan is a traditional Hyderabadi side dish made with whole baby brinjals (green aubergines) that are slit and sautéed until tender on the inside and perfectly charred on the outside. The dish is finished with a flavorful masala gravy, making it a perfect accompaniment for roti or rice. The unique combination of spices and slow-cooked eggplants creates an aromatic, rich, and savory flavor that’s bound to impress anyone at the dining table. Whether you’re enjoying it for a family meal or packing it in a lunchbox, Dum Ke Baingan adds a burst of flavors to any meal.
Cuisine: Hyderabadi
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Small Green Brinjal (Green Aubergine) | 6, slit into four |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Oil | As needed for sautéing and cooking |
For the Masala:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cardamom Pods (Elaichi) | 2 Pods/Seeds |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1 inch piece |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Cloves (Laung) | 3 whole cloves |
| Bay Leaf (Tej Patta) | 1 leaf |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Dry Red Chillies | 2 whole |
| Onion (chopped) | 2 medium-sized |
| Ginger (chopped) | 1-inch piece |
| Garlic (cloves) | 4 cloves |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
| Vitamin A | 10% of Daily Value |
| Vitamin C | 15% of Daily Value |
| Iron | 5% of Daily Value |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions
-
Prepare the Masala Paste
Start by grinding the masala ingredients into a coarse paste. In a blender or mortar and pestle, combine the cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, black pepper powder, cloves, bay leaf, cumin seeds, dry red chillies, chopped onion, ginger, and garlic. Add a little water to help blend the ingredients into a smooth, coarse paste. -
Sauté the Brinjals
Heat a pan with enough oil to sauté the brinjals. Once the oil is hot, add the slit baby brinjals and sauté them for about 10 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. Sprinkle some salt over them and cover the pan to help the brinjals cook faster. As they cook, the brinjals will soften and turn a deep brown on the outside. -
Set Aside the Brinjals
Once the brinjals are cooked through and tender, remove them from the pan and set them aside for later. -
Cook the Gravy
In the same pan, add a little more oil and heat it up. Add the ground masala paste to the pan and sauté it for a few minutes, cooking it until the oil starts separating from the masala. This process should take around 5–7 minutes. -
Combine Brinjals and Gravy
Once the masala has cooked and thickened, add the roasted brinjals back into the pan. Drizzle lemon juice over the brinjals and gently toss them in the masala to coat them thoroughly. Stir to combine everything well, and check the salt level. Adjust as necessary. -
Dum Cook (Slow Cook)
Cover the pan and let the Dum Ke Baingan cook on low heat for 2 more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the brinjals to absorb the spices. -
Serve
Your Dum Ke Baingan is now ready to be served! Serve it hot with some Tawa Paratha, Kadhi Pakora, or a light Sweet Potato & Green Bean Salad on the side. This dish also pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or jeera rice.
Tips and Variations:
- Brinjal Variations: You can also use larger brinjals if small ones are not available. Just ensure they are well-cooked and tender.
- Spicy Kick: For an extra spicy version, add more dry red chillies or a dash of garam masala.
- Add Potatoes: Some variations of Dum Ke Baingan include boiled potatoes cooked along with the brinjals. You can try this for a heartier version.
Dum Ke Baingan is a flavorful and comforting dish that adds a burst of warmth and spice to your lunch or dinner. With its soft, smoky eggplants coated in a spicy, aromatic gravy, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions, this dish beautifully showcases the rich and vibrant flavors of Hyderabadi cuisine.
