Bharli Vangi Recipe – Maharashtrian Style Stuffed Brinjals
Description
Bharli Vangi, also known as Stuffed Brinjals, is a cherished vegetarian delicacy from Maharashtra. This dish showcases baby brinjals (eggplants) filled with a flavorful, aromatic stuffing made from roasted peanuts, spices, and jaggery, then slow-cooked to perfection. It can be prepared as a dry sabzi or with a luscious gravy, making it an ideal companion for soft phulkas, chapatis, or steamed rice. This hearty dish is a celebration of bold flavors and textures that truly defines the essence of Maharashtrian cuisine.
Recipe Details
| Cuisine | Maharashtrian Recipes |
|---|---|
| Course | Lunch |
| Diet | Vegetarian |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient Name | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Brinjal (Baingan / Eggplant) | 8 small pieces |
| Oil | 4 tablespoons |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry Leaves | 8 leaves |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Green Chillies | 4, slit vertically |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Coriander Leaves (optional) | 2 tablespoons, chopped |
For the Stuffing
| Ingredient Name | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Raw Peanuts (Moongphali) | 1/2 cup, roasted and peeled |
| Tomato | 1 |
| Garlic | 4 cloves |
| Ginger | 1-inch piece |
| Jaggery | Marble-sized ball |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 4.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
Instructions
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Rinse the brinjals thoroughly in water and wipe them dry. |
| 2 | Carefully slit each brinjal vertically into four parts, keeping the stem intact. Sprinkle salt inside the slits and set them aside for 10 minutes. |
| 3 | Prepare the stuffing by grinding together roasted peanuts, tomato, garlic, ginger, jaggery, red chilli powder, and turmeric powder. Add very little water to form a thick paste. Mix in garam masala powder. |
| 4 | In a deep pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, curry leaves, and slit green chillies. Allow them to crackle and release their aroma. |
| 5 | Add chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they are golden brown. This forms the tempering base for the dish. |
| 6 | Stuff about 2 tablespoons of the prepared stuffing into each brinjal. Gently place the stuffed brinjals into the pan over the tempering. |
| 7 | Add a small amount of water to the pan, cover it with a lid, and cook the brinjals on low heat for 15 minutes. |
| 8 | After 15 minutes, carefully turn the brinjals to cook evenly on all sides. Add more water if needed to avoid burning. Cook for another 15 minutes or until the brinjals are soft and slightly charred. |
| 9 | Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves (optional) and remove from heat. |
| 10 | Serve hot Bharli Vangi with Panchmel Dal, Boondi Raita, and soft Phulkas for a wholesome Maharashtrian meal. |
Tips for Perfect Bharli Vangi
- Choosing Brinjals: Select small, tender brinjals with a shiny purple skin and no blemishes for the best results.
- Stuffing Consistency: Ensure the stuffing mixture is thick and holds together well to avoid spillage during cooking.
- Cooking Technique: Slow cooking the stuffed brinjals helps them absorb the flavors of the stuffing and the tempering.
Serving Suggestions
Bharli Vangi pairs beautifully with traditional Indian bread like chapatis or phulkas. For a complete meal, serve it with steamed rice, Panchmel Dal, and a cooling side dish like Boondi Raita or Cucumber Salad.
Enjoy the authentic flavors of Maharashtra with this delightful Bharli Vangi recipe! Perfect for festive occasions or a hearty weekday lunch, this dish is a culinary treasure that celebrates the simplicity and richness of Indian cuisine.
