Baingan Bharta Recipe – Smoked Roasted Eggplant with Green Chillies and Ginger
Baingan Bharta is a quintessential Punjabi recipe that has a special place in North Indian cuisine. This delicious dish is made from smoked and chargrilled brinjals (eggplants), which are mashed and then sautéed with an aromatic blend of spices, ginger, and green chillies. The smoky flavor from roasting the brinjal is the star of this dish, making it a hearty and satisfying addition to any dinner spread. Traditionally served with rotis or parathas, Baingan Bharta is a versatile and comforting dish that showcases the deep, earthy flavors of eggplant.
Every region in India has its own unique take on Baingan Bharta, but this family recipe stands out for its simple yet flavorful approach. The key to this recipe lies in the subtle interplay of spices such as turmeric, garam masala, and coriander powder, combined with the fresh kick of green chillies and ginger.
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Brinjal (Baingan / Eggplant) | 1 medium-sized |
| Ginger (finely chopped) | 2-inch piece |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium-sized |
| Tomato (finely chopped) | 1 medium-sized |
| Green Chillies (finely chopped) | 2 |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Coriander powder (Dhania) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ghee | 2 tablespoons |
| Red Chilli powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 4 sprigs (for garnish, finely chopped) |
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Serves: 4
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
Begin by prepping all the ingredients. Finely chop the ginger, onion, tomato, and green chillies. Set them aside for easy access when cooking. -
Roast the Brinjal:
The key to getting the smoky flavor in Baingan Bharta is the roasting of the brinjal. You can roast the brinjal using either of two methods:-
Gas Flame Method: Directly place the brinjal on an open flame. Turn it occasionally with tongs until the skin becomes charred and the brinjal softens. Once done, set it aside to cool. Once cool, peel off the charred skin and mash the brinjal flesh.
-
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the brinjal on a baking sheet and roast it for about 20-25 minutes or until the skin is charred and the brinjal becomes soft. Once roasted, allow it to cool, peel the skin, and mash the flesh.
-
-
Cooking the Base:
Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a pan over medium heat. Once the ghee melts and becomes hot, add the finely chopped onions. Sauté the onions for about 5-7 minutes, until they become golden brown and fragrant. -
Add Spices and Tomatoes:
Add the finely chopped ginger and green chillies to the pan, stirring well. Cook for another 2 minutes until the ginger softens and releases its aroma. Now, add the chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, and salt to the pan. Cook this mixture until the tomatoes soften and the oil starts to separate from the masala, about 7-10 minutes. -
Combine with Mashed Brinjal:
Once the tomatoes are well cooked, add the roasted and mashed brinjal to the pan. Mix everything well, ensuring that the brinjal is evenly combined with the spices and tomato mixture. Let it cook for another 5-7 minutes on medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld together. -
Final Touch:
Sprinkle garam masala over the cooked Baingan Bharta and mix gently. Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves for a fresh touch. -
Serve:
Serve the Baingan Bharta hot with warm roti, paratha, or rice. You can also enjoy it with a side of plain yogurt to balance the heat from the green chillies.
Baingan Bharta is a fantastic dish for any vegetarian meal, bursting with flavor and perfect for making ahead. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this smoky, spiced eggplant dish is sure to delight all who taste it.
